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RESEARCHSARMSUGFREAKeudomestic
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Newbie: Bench question (Width of Standard vs. Olympic)

maxrayman

New member
Hi all,

TOTAL newbie here, I performed a search, but no luck.

I have a weight bench that was purchased awhile back (an Impex Competitor 760) and it feels like the supports that hold up the bar are too close together. They are close enough together that I cannot perform a grip on the bar so my upper arms are parallel with the floor (and at a 90 degree angle with my sides). Instead, when I grip the bar at the widest possible spot (right up against the supports) my elbows are pointed basically at a 45-55 degree angle from my sides.

My question is, is that improper form? Do I need a new bench? I read the Bench Press 1.0 post, very interesting, but didn't exactly answer this question.

Additionally, it appears that most Olympic benches I see pictured on websites seem to allow for a wider grip. Do all "standard" benches only allow for a more narrow grip?

Hope these questions are clear, and thanks in advance.

Max
 
The elbow issue is ok, especially for a wide grip...close to the body is good. 45 degrees away is about as far OUT as I go, but I use a powerlifting bench form. The problem with the uprights, sounds to me anyway, is that you can't use a wide grip (??).

If you're trying to isolate your chest, then you might need to get a new bench.
 
I had the exact same problem with one of my old benches. The ones you get at "sports stores" all seem to have that problem with the uprights. They were spaced perfectly to where I could not use a comfortable grip width at all.

The ony solution I found was to switch to dumbells or get a new bench like Spatts mentioned.


.02,
Joker
 
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