Bench press sticking points

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RobRegish
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Bench press sticking points

Post by RobRegish »

One way to overcome sticking points in the bench press is using chains. I'm not talking about traditional use either, where the chain simply de-loads you. This is an alternative method that is somewhat unorthodox but hopefully, you've come to expect this of me :)

Set the safety pins up high in the power rack. Loop the chains around the pins and insert the bar. You'll want to use a weight that allows for 6-10 repetitions to keep you out of the 90th percentile and these sets should NOT be to failure. 2-3 sets of 6-10 reps gets it done.

Each week, you lower one link on the chain, building a slightly greater range of motion into the movement. These graduated increments are much smaller than the 2" pin placements on a standard rack. And if you've ever done this you know what a WORLD of difference 2" makes. Life is indeed, a game of inches.

BONUS: Suspending the bar from chains allows for a more natural 3 dimensional movement and advantageous starting point. The same can't be said of pressing from pins.

EXTRA BONUS: This exercise will reveal your exact sticking point in the movement and allow you to work on it/overcome it. You'll know you've hit it when needing to lower the weight substantially to get the target reps. No worries. The sum of the parts is much greater than the whole when you finally put the whole movement together.

These workouts should be used in addition to your full range work. In that context, they are a superb compliment and will bring you newfound muscle and power.

Give these a shot and report back. Your contributions help other members and in turn, build all of us a stronger Blueprint..
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