bench press

[bignate73]

so in order to make yourself look more credible, you choose to consider what someone says as opinion as it suits you. you did so without stating the BOUNDRIES of this argument. for upper body pushing, yes, it is a viable exercise. it has been used for years as a means of determining strength. as for its being overrated, i feel that an exercise that doesnt take its "target" muscle group (pectorals) through a full range of motion is not superior to one that does(dbells). if this is opinion...well, i guess im not alone professionally, and i stand in better company than the likes of past mr. olympias that based their programs on "gym science". since i am basing my sole argument on ROM(clearly stated now) then this is the the position i take. luckily, weight training tends to be about taking a muscle, under load, through eccentric, isometric, and concentric motion, through a joint angles range of motion. limitations on this rule should only be limited by structure and stability and not equipment.

another side note on opinion: ive seen many variations on exercise and at times they tend to suit an individuals goal (sports specific, physical limitations etc). but in this case, i feel, that we are referring to an average weight trainer/bodybuilder (given the forum) looking to maximize time spent under the weight. if this is my opinion, then so be it, ill go with ROM and stay with that camp, like i said, im in better company.

so that should cover my position on this matter, and hopefully dispel any possibility as to this being my opinion, and not something i pulled from the air. i defined the basis of my argument, if i need references....

whatever.

 

[bignate73]

Personal comments about bench press and upper body:

that statement keeps the can of worms closed....hehe.

 

[endpoint]

I think we lost track of the original question.

but its getting fun

 

[HighIntensity]

How in hell can you think that deadlifts are the best exercise for the upper body?

Do a search on DEADLIFTS please and see why so many agree with me

CASE CLOSED

 

[sysopt]

that statement keeps the can of worms closed....hehe.

hell yeah, I'm not wrapped up in this ****ing mess

Damn I love these grins

 

[solidspine]

Break it up. and vary your angles, barbells for one week dumbbells next, incline, flat and decline


and flyes

 

[aurelius]

to HIGHINTENSITY

I could do a search under "new world order" and hear about how a lot of people think political leaders around the world are conspiring to form a one world goverment. Doesn´t make it so...

Also, with regards to "athletic" strength (push power on the playing field) the bench press is a poor measure of power as you are pushing from a back-supported position. You never get such a luxury on the field.

 

[Lord_Suston]

I just got a headache reading this post....

My Opinion (OPINION) is that best exercise for soley, soley the pectoral is the dumbells, but for overall upper body developement of the shoulder girdle, chest, and tris has to be Barbell. Bare with me I know some one is probably going to miseterpret what i just typed. Barbell press does nopt go through the whole range of motion, other groups of muscle pick up the slack, hence being the best movement for pressing strength, not pec developement.

 

[econanalyst]

Im no expert, but I find that dumbell gives me a way better pump than barbell. Its like i can feel all my muscles working in my pecs.