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Arch to back when bench pressing or not?

Booksandbeaches
Booksandbeaches Posts: 1,791 Member
in Social Groups
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

Replies

  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,223 Member
    I do not arch when bench pressing.
  • chuisle
    chuisle Posts: 1,052 Member
    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
    darwinwoodka Posts: 322 Member
    I don't bench press at all. Trainer doesn't believe in it.
  • bfitgirl
    bfitgirl Posts: 138 Member
    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
    erinsueburns Posts: 865 Member
    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.

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