Bench Press Grip Width

[guineapig]

Hi all

Poverty bencher here with 1RM 105kg

Have always felt better/stronger with a narrower grip (thumbs length from the smooth) vs wider (pinkies on the rings).

While I’ve been making gains on my 2 fingers in from the rings grip anytime I do a rep with my “close” grip it feels tighter and moves better.

I can post some vids for comparison but you can see the 2fingers from the rings vid on my log

GuineaPig’s Training Log - Hunt 300 Deadlift

Here’s most of today’s stuff. Will start recording landscape from now on Squat 4x4 130kg [17/11/17 Squat 130 4x4] Quads were really sore almost like an injury so squats were very awkward. On the video it wasn’t looking too bad but felt like a couldn’t control the descent speed or positioning. hopefully I’m fresh for my next workout. Bench 4x4-5 90kg [17/11/17 Bench 90x5] Was no fun as usual. I never feel tight enough and am inconsistent with my form e.g. some days t…

I half suspect the answer is just get stronger but I’d like to know what to put my focus/energy into.

Is wider better and should I try to go wider? How?

Is it ok to have a close grip as my main/competition bench? Will wide (relatively) grip bench be good assistance than?

Thanks

[chris_ottawa]

Whatever grip you are strongest with should be your competition grip. While some people say you should use the widest grip possible, some of the best bench pressers (James Strickland and Jeremy Hoornstra for example) use a relatively close grip so there isn’t one way that is best for everyone. Wide grip bench is a good assistance exercise, some well known coaches like Louie Simmons and Josh Bryant use them with their lifters. Josh Bryant says not to go below 6 reps on them because the wide grip puts more strain on your shoulders and pec tendon that will increase the risk of injury, and also do them with a pause to train the initial drive off your chest.

If you are going to bench with a close grip then make sure to build up your triceps, they will be a limiting factor. Close (closer) grip variations, dips, tricep extensions, JM presses, etc.

[charlessmith]

Exactly!

[Pinkylifting]

For me its as simple as the grip width that means my forearms are perpendicular to the floor when tbe bar is touching my chest. This will be different widths depending on where you touch the bar, above or below the nipple, and obviosuly on your own relative lever lengths.

But vertical forearms has always been the sweet spot for me.

[muscle_g]

I agree with Chris, do what’s comfortable. Work your triceps very hard. Also do alot of back and rear delt work, some chest. I use the wide grip benches on my 2nd Bench day. It really works the pecs hard

[strongmangoals]

The wider you go, the shorter the ROM.

The narrower you go (within reason) the stronger you will be (up to a point).

Whether you are better off moving the bar a shorter distance in a weaker position or moving the bar further in a strong position is really, really individual. You’ll need to work it out for yourself.

It is a similar case for how low on your body you touch the bar.

As @chris_ottawa said, train a variety of grips

[chris_ottawa]

@strongmangoals

The wider you go, the shorter the ROM.

The narrower you go (within reason) the stronger you will be (up to a point).

Whether you are better off moving the bar a shorter distance in a weaker position or moving the bar further in a strong position is really, really individual. You’ll need to work it out for yourself.

It is a similar case for how low on your body you touch the bar.

As @chris_ottawa said, train a variety of grips

To add to this, what grip width you are strongest with will also depend on which muscles are strongest. Wide grip = pecs and shoulders, close grip = triceps.