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monkey, we do it both ways in the gym. Frequently on speed work we will stop the momentum above the chest, because like you said, it's harder. For max effort work though, we train to bench the way we'd compete.
Partial benching IS effective for building bench strength though, especially through weak points. That's why you always hear about power lifters doing 5 board, 4 board, 3 board, 2 board, floor press, lock out, etc... We train portions of the lift, and as the portions become stronger, the whole bench becomes stronger.
Partial benching IS effective for building bench strength though, especially through weak points. That's why you always hear about power lifters doing 5 board, 4 board, 3 board, 2 board, floor press, lock out, etc... We train portions of the lift, and as the portions become stronger, the whole bench becomes stronger.
