how to use lats in benching ???

[rjl296]

I've tried to use my lats when benching, but I never seem to FEEL it in the lats. Any pointers ??

 

[makedah]

I never felt it until I pressed after not doing it for a while. FELT IT. I guess that 'feeling' the lats had been overshadowed by the fatigue in my shoulders and triceps.

 

[koolio]

i have always had difficulty with the negative portion of the bench until i began to use my lats...I mentally make my lats hold the weight on the descent...i know it sounds strange but it works...i also use my legs as a stabilizer on the descent as well...by pressing them into the floor as hard as possible i can make 500 feel like 400...

 

[Hannibal]

when you unrack the bar and start to lower the bar...have a partner hit (not hard) the bar rapidly with his hands....doesn't have to be hard...Dave Tate calls it "vibration work" and it will cause you to flex your lats to stabilize the bar.

 

[rjl296]

so are the lats primarily stabilzers ??

 

[DOM]

rjl,

I don't really have a feeling for the lats in my bench yet either. But from what I've read -- yes they are primarily stabilizers. However, they also participate in pressing the bar out of the hole. To simulate this, stand up and put your arms inthe position of the bottom ofyour bench. Then flex your lats -- you will notice that your arms move an inch or two forward.

 

[rjl296]

I just tried it, and by god , you are right. thanks to everyone for the help