I understand how to properly bench press for a 1rm Bench Press (thanks to Dave Tate’s article and video) and will continue to strive for perfection on the technique. BUT, is it just me or is the form Dave Tate and other powerlifters take in bench press harder to apply in bench pressing for reps…OR should I just grow more accustomed to the proper powerlifting bench press to the point where doing it for reps is not difficult/awkward.
I only question the bench press technique when going for reps b/c when I bench 185 for reps (yes I know it’s baby weight for some people) I get much more reps out when benching like most ppl in the gym as compared to benching the proper powerlifting bench press.
It could be the way youve been benching and your individual physiology (like fiber types). The way you bench is probably involving a lot more chest, while DT’s way is all about tricep and shoulder strength. Your triceps and shoulders may be strong now, but you might need to build up the endurance/work capacity a bit.
I know for me, my shoulders are always what tires out on higher reps, and my triceps pretty much never tire out.
It could also be the endurance of a lot of your stability muscles, like lats, upper back, etc. Just train for your goals and your body will adapt. If you are now using DT’s techniques, then stick with that form for everything. Train that lift and some accessory stuff and build up your endurance.
SAID principle - specific adaptation to imposed demand - the cornerstone of exercise physiology.
If your “imposed demand” was an ugly bench press, your body adapts to that specific movement pattern.
When you suddenly shift to a new form, you are changing the loading pattern, different muscles are working at different parts, and even though you are more stable, there is a good chance it might be harder. Stick with it though and you will eventually become stronger with the new bar position.
It’s difficult to keep a tight arch when pressing for reps. Once you exhale, you will never regain the tightness you once had. I try to get as many reps as possible before I exhale, and then just try to stay as tight as possible after that, accepting the fact that I won’t be as tight as when I first started. You will get better at it with time.
[quote]Modi wrote:
It’s difficult to keep a tight arch when pressing for reps. Once you exhale, you will never regain the tightness you once had. I try to get as many reps as possible before I exhale, and then just try to stay as tight as possible after that, accepting the fact that I won’t be as tight as when I first started. You will get better at it with time.[/quote]
+1
and it will help with your form and your ability to stay tighter