I arch as much as possible. I feel like bench turns more into a back and triceps exercise and I get more leg drive. It’s also easier on my shoulder.
I get the back cramping thing too, but I solved that by wearing a belt and the belt also makes it easier for me to keep my arch from collapsing at my sticking point.
But recently, I have narrowed my grip to pinky just inside the ring and that’s helped my shoulder immensely. I can also train my shoulders and triceps harder than I can chest because the assistance used to train those don’t hurt my shoulder like chest dominant pressing exercises.
I have noticed I have to do more triceps stretching, mobility, and tissue work but it’s a lot better than it was with my shoulder when I was going wide (index on the ring).
But yeah, whatever works for your individual build, strengths, and weaknesses.
[quote]Fletch1986 wrote:
I arch as much as possible. I feel like bench turns more into a back and triceps exercise and I get more leg drive. It’s also easier on my shoulder.
I get the back cramping thing too, but I solved that by wearing a belt and the belt also makes it easier for me to keep my arch from collapsing at my sticking point.
But recently, I have narrowed my grip to pinky just inside the ring and that’s helped my shoulder immensely. I can also train my shoulders and triceps harder than I can chest because the assistance used to train those don’t hurt my shoulder like chest dominant pressing exercises.
I have noticed I have to do more triceps stretching, mobility, and tissue work but it’s a lot better than it was with my shoulder when I was going wide (index on the ring).
But yeah, whatever works for your individual build, strengths, and weaknesses. [/quote]
What kind of belt do you use when you bench?
CS
Inzer 10mm lever belt. Nothing too fancy. Just have to position it properly and/or even make it a notch looser than for squats and deads to keep it from preventing maximum arch.