Over-Emphasizing the Bench Press

[louden_swain]

Seems like this is all people talk about on this board. Does anyone perform incline presses anymore? I guess overall chest development is not a priority for some people.

Here is what I hear almost everday:

How much can you bench?
My bench sucks.
I suck at bench presses, how can I improve?
I can bench 2 times my bodyweight, and I weigh 150lbs.

My question is, how many people actually start off with incline presses in their routine?

I know I do. After getting rid of bench presses in 1997, I have seen vast improvements in pectoral development, plus I have remain injury free.

 

[Optimus B]

i alternate every week between starting with flat or incline.

 

[gmanlax7]

i hate flat bench, always start a chest day with 5 sets of incline bench, and if i do go flat afterwards its with DB's. Flat bench sucks

 

[louden_swain]

i hate flat bench, always start a chest day with 5 sets of incline bench, and if i do go flat afterwards its with DB's. Flat bench sucks

What kind of results have you had?

 

[needsize]

I start with heavy flat, but then the last 2/3's of my workout is all incline, I find this approach has really helped balance things out

 

[jesus 2]

 

[Gretak9]

I'm sure most would agree that inclines are more productive at developing the chest muscles but I lift flat bench first purely for psychological reasons. You've got to admit that when people talk about lifting one of the first questions is, 'How much do you bench?', not "What's your incline up to now?'

 

[RusPA81]

I have always started off with flat for many years, but 3 weeks ago, I decided to switch and start with incline and then do flat. I am actually enjoying it. It is to early for me to tell how well it will work, but I plan to stick with it for a while, if for nothing else then a change of pace.

 

[endpoint]

I know I do. After getting rid of bench presses in 1997, I have seen vast improvements in pectoral development, plus I have remain injury free.

i am not agreeing that bench presses cause injury (i feel quite the oposite) but i agree to have a good chest you dont need to bench. (i think most beginners need to bench to develop somewhat of a base)

I think there is a place for both incline and flat....but should be rotated once in a while.

i believe that performing inclines first will allow more weight usage on this exercise causing strength in the front delts......which will benifit your bench press.

 

[JOKER47]

I guess overall chest development is not a priority for some people.

I think you just answered your own question.

IMO, this is a training board. Training for bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman, OL, and anything else that may come up.

Pectoral development may not be the number 1 priority for everyone here, just as hitting a 500lbs bench press may not be a priority for others.

.02,
Joker