Bench press
Bench Press
1️⃣ Targeted Muscles
- Primary: Chest (pectorals)
- Secondary: Triceps, shoulders (anterior deltoid)
2️⃣ Why Is the Bench Press So Effective?
- One of the best upper body strength builders
- Engages multiple muscles for maximum power development
- Essential for pushing strength and muscle mass in the chest and arms
- Improves athletic performance in sports requiring upper body power
3️⃣ Proper Execution
1. Starting Position:
- Lie on a bench with feet flat on the ground
- Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width (thumbs wrapped around)
- Keep your shoulder blades retracted and your back slightly arched
2. Lowering the Bar:
- Slowly bring the bar down to the mid-chest
- Elbows should be at a ~75-degree angle (not fully flared out)
- Maintain tightness in your core and upper back
3. Pressing the Bar Up:
- Push the bar explosively upward while keeping control
- Extend your arms fully, but don’t lock out too aggressively
- Keep your shoulders retracted and avoid bouncing the bar off your chest
🔥 Pro Tip: Squeeze the bar as hard as possible—this increases strength output!
4️⃣ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Flared elbows: Keep them slightly tucked to protect your shoulders.
❌ Lifting hips off the bench: Maintain proper form for maximum power.
❌ Lowering too fast: Control the descent to avoid injury.
5️⃣ Pros & Cons
✅ Best exercise for upper body strength and chest development
✅ High muscle activation in triceps and shoulders
✅ Scalable—can be done with barbells, dumbbells, or machines
❌ Improper form can lead to shoulder injuries
❌ Requires a spotter when lifting heavy for safety
Want to master the perfect bench press?
📸 Pictures/Videos → coming soon