Arch to back when bench pressing or not?

Booksandbeaches

I was taught not to arch the back when bench pressing, but then I see others (far more buff than me ..like this woman on the YouTube video who is some kind of fitness expert) not only arching her back but putting a football to keep the arch (3.23 on the video).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34XRmd3a8_0

Beeps2011

I do not arch when bench pressing.

chuisle

My understanding is that is generally done in powerlifting/competition lifting. It certainly shouldn't be done without coaching.

For the average woman, don't arch your back.

darwinwoodka

I don't bench press at all. Trainer doesn't believe in it.

bfitgirl

Yes, I do have a arch, unless I happen to be in a decline then less so as feet not on floor.

I pull my shoulders back and engage the chest throughout the press, if you flatten the back I think you have to use more shoulder/arms.

erinsueburns

I arch as much as I require to keep my upper back stable to the bench. I do this for shoulder support, for lack of a better word. I wouldn't put anything under my back, the point of all of this is functional movement in my opinion, and if I am under a car wrestling in a transmission, I am not going to have a ball to put under my back.