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Thread: benching more narrow

  1. #1
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    Mar 2011
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    Default benching more narrow

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    Rip,

    What's your take on moving in the bench press grip to about 1/2-1 inch off the smooth (i.e. just barely) and onto the knurling? I currently go about a full thumb length, was wondering what your take would be on going even more narrow. I know a lot of people consider my proposed length a "close grip bench" but I feel that it might actually be the most functional ultimately. I know John Welbourn at CF football reocmmends that length, so that's sort of my inspiration in asking the question-but wanted your take first?

  2. #2
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    Default

    Why?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
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    Default

    might be more functional from the standpoint of an athlete for sports
    more triceps mass (bigger arms, I'll come clean)
    (maybe/hopefully) more long term strength?

    But the biggest reason I thought it might be the best decision is because I would be using the same grip that I use for my overhead press. I overhead press 155x5, but can only bench 230x5. My overhead press grip is probably a half inch off the smooth. I figured by adopting the same "1 knuckle length off the smooth" grip I might actually bench more in the long run.

    Just wanted to get your take on such a narrow grip.

  4. #4
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    My analysis is in BBT3. Have you read it? Do you disagree with it?

  5. #5
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    Mar 2011
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    have not read it, only have #2 I believe, where it says 22-28 inches, somewhere in that range should work for everyone.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
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    216

    Default

    starting strength coach development program
    You think you'll get stronger in the long run by doing something that you recognize is weaker (and less efficient)?

    Sounds like you use a pretty narrow grip to begin with, anyway.

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