butt off the bench

[leatherface]

When benching, even though 1 major part of the form is your leg drive, you should still strive to keep your ass on the bench at all times right? So why is it that in so many competition pictures I see, alot of people have their butt several inches(if not a foot), off the bench while putting up the weight? Just curious, thought i would ask

 

[blinddeafmute]

Im curious about this also.

I have noticed that I have "natural" leg drive in my bench press, almost like I cant help it. I arch my back big time and really push with my legs. Especially when trying to put up that last rep or two.

My main goal is to body build, not really strength, but I would like a combination. How is this going to affect my developement? Help it or hurt it?

 

[endpoint]

It is not legal in any federation. i dont know what pictures you have seen.

your lower back can leave the bench and you create what is called an "arch"

This arch can shorten the distance a bar has to travel.

but your upper back and buttocks must remain on the bench......some feds allow your head to leave the bench and some dont

 

[Backlash]

http://www.ivanko.com/action.html

Originally posted by Lee - thanks. Anyways, a bunch of these guys are way off the bench - check out the Larry Miller pic, e.g.

And that Dr Squat pic, both of those guys look like they aren't doing the squats right to me...

 

[FatRat]

It looks like Miller has his backside on the bench (just).

Endpoint is correct as far as I know. In a comp you are going to use anything you can to get that bar up, basically reducing the range of motion required and involving as many muscles as you can to help in the lift.

For the majority of people who are benching for chest strength and development, you would want to bring the focus back to the chest by being a bit stricter with your form. The degree of “strictness” that you employ is going to depend on what you are training for on that particular session.

 

[gettinlarger]

For the majority of people who are benching for chest strength and development, you would want to bring the focus back to the chest by being a bit stricter with your form. The degree of “strictness” that you employ is going to depend on what you are training for on that particular session.

Agreed. Work on your form that suits your needs, leatherface.

 

[pwr_machine]

I'm sure the lifts that are being seen with butts off the bench get "reds" from the side judges. No lift. If not, I think I'd consider switching federations!

 

[spatts]

Oh yeah, any air between the booty and the bench gets a No-Go.

 

[leatherface]

Alright thanks for clearing that up

 

[RusPA81]

http://www.ivanko.com/action.html

Originally posted by Lee - thanks. Anyways, a bunch of these guys are way off the bench - check out the Larry Miller pic, e.g.

And that Dr Squat pic, both of those guys look like they aren't doing the squats right to me...

I dont think that the Dr. Squat picture is real. It looks heavily doctored. I dont think anyone could squat that way, especially that much weight.