Flat Bench

[kimbrcd]

FLAT BENCH PRESS.

I hear of long time weight lifters saying "I don't do flat bench anymore".

My question is;
For a good chest program should one include flat bench or do incline instead?

I read that flat bench only works the middle of your pectoral which makes your boobies look a little feminin.

Set me straight! ~Only if you have the pecs to prove it.

 

[bignate73]

Set me straight! ~Only if you have the pecs to prove it.

do a search.....tons of info covered on this.

and yes i do.

 

[The Shadow]

best chest exercise - incline db's - period......

 

[louden_swain]

My favorites are incline barbell and dumbbell. Flat bench is over-rated. I truly believe that inclines build a better chest than flat bench.

 

[luto199]

i dont know which is better, i do both, although for the first time i have taken about a month off it and am doing DB presses instead. I think the dumbells are a good alternative if you want to take a break from flat bench. I also to DB inclines and like them MUCH more than incline barbell. I would say they are equally important and you need to include both in your workout to be fully rounded.

 

[Thaibox]

My shoulder wont let me do flat at all. So, I've only done incline for about 6 months now. I've actually seen a decent amount of improvement in that time. I'm starting not to miss flats

 

[needsize]

I've gotten great results using flat, I have long arms which gives me a great range of motion, but I always include incline work as well

 

[barbell265]

I think that all 3 will help to develop a well defined chest. One that doesn't hang or look abnormal. Inclines will keep a solid, square looking chest , but declines and flat will add depth and power. The most important thing to remember,IMO, is not to flare out your elbows. When benching keep your elbows in so they slide down next to your chest, not pointing out away from your torso. This will save your elbows and allow you to build more. Just my opinion...

 

[luto199]

only prob i have with that is when you take a wide grip on the bar your elbows naturally flare out and i find it ard to keep mine from doing that. Is that really the best way?

 

[Exodus]

i like flat...... i guess for traditional sake, i like decline the best, but incline db's is hard to beat.

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