Can some people just not bench alot?

[louden_swain]

I consider a good bench press based on how much weight you can workout with based on your bodyweight. For example, if a person weighs 160lbs and can rep with 225lbs, I consider that person a good bench presser. Of course, genetics plays a large role. I do believe that people with long arms struggle. I see numerous guys who are over 6 feet struggle with bench presses and squats. . .these movements do not look comfortable.

 

[t3c]

Bodybuilding is more about range of motion than about weight, longer arms means a longer range of motion on the bench which I think makes it a more effective exercise.
I'm not real tall but have long monkey arms, great deadlift as a result but have never been strong on the bench, but the flip side is my chest is generally more developed than the guys in my gym that bench more.
It's all about perspective.....

also, the longer the range of motion the more muscle fiber stimulation

 

[Intenceman]

Right on the money, short guys with barrel chests and short arms like Franco Colombo excelled at benching becuase of their proportions.
Taler guys with looong arms- (I'm one of the being 6'3" with very long arms, suck at benching a lot of the time.
It's funny to hear a much shorter guy with the Franco type build say a taller leaner guy doesn't know as much because he can't bench nearly as much-- it might possibly be the other way around.......

 

[coolcolj]

I've got short arms, but I have very shallow and small frame/chest/ribcage


so what does that make me? Normal?

 

[the People's Champ]

I suck at teh bench. but then again, I have discovered that I don't push myself enough on this exercise, as much as I do on other exercises

 

[rebelflagkisser]

try arm-length reduction surgery

 

[grrrah]

I feel the same way... I am 6-1, but my wingspan is about 6'-6". I have just accepted that its lower than everyone else, and just remember that I can squat and dead lift almost twice as much as my workout partner that benches the same.

 

[b fold the truth]

I have VERY long arms too...VERY long arms.

If you are concerned with your bench press...then train it like a powerlifter and hammer your weaknesses till they are your strong points!!!

No excuses...just do it...

B True

 

[Intenceman]

BFOld, how tall are you? How long is your reach?

 

[b fold the truth]

I am 6'2" with a pretty long wingspan. I can nearly scratch my knees standing up...lol. I'll check...

Just measured...77" wingspan...

B True