Assorted Tips on Lifting You've Discovered over the Years

[Squatson]

Fast descent on bench press.

[MikeC1]

+1

Fast descent on bench press.

[Carlos Daniel]

I think it's a question of controlled descent rather than fast or slow.

[xzcion]

Lying eyes closed on an incline bench between sets ftw. If I could nap between sets I would.

There is a link between lying down and your heart rate, core temp and breathing reaching resting normals quicker. 'People' (those are not scare quotes, that's just me acknowledging I don't have any links to studies) theorize it's to do with either a genetically hardwired or learnt expectation that lying down means you'll be going to sleep soon, so your body starts the process automatically when you 'assume the position'. (So to those who <3 sitting, I'd recommend trying a lie down and see if that makes you feel even betterer.)

Some people swear by this increased rate of relaxation as being a key to getting extra recovery in between sets.

Some people swear that it causes them to lose intensity between sets.

Find out which people you are and what works for you.

(I personally sit on my lounge chair in the sun and pet the puppy. :] )

[stronger]

When I was in 5th grade with way too much time on my hands, I liked to see how long I could hold my breath. I discovered that closing my eyes would significantly increase the length of time I could hold my breath. I'm not sure this has as much to do with making my body think I'm going to sleep as it does with lowering the amount of energy used by bodily functions. I would also try to sit or lay in as relaxed a position as possible, which was beneficial.

here is a really good interview that everyone should watch. It discusses the contrasting sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the nervous system



(there are a few more parts after this)

[Squatson]

It's as fast as you can, under control.

[LimieJosh]

There is a link between lying down and your heart rate, core temp and breathing reaching resting normals quicker. 'People' (those are not scare quotes, that's just me acknowledging I don't have any links to studies) theorize it's to do with either a genetically hardwired or learnt expectation that lying down means you'll be going to sleep soon, so your body starts the process automatically when you 'assume the position'.

Its nothing quite that esoteric, but a matter of increased venous return. Remove the effect of gravity and blood gets back to the heart more easily, and in greater volume, which in turn increases the pumping capacity of the heart leading to an autoregulation that brings down HR.

Not so much a tip, but an epihpany - when not pushing big lifts, eating enough to make progress on the lifts you are able to push will lead to an increased accumulation of body fat.

[bob g]

Not just in the gym but in all endeavors, there is always "that guy." He may already be in the room or about to walk through the door. He is not always the obvious one but he is way better than you or most anyone you know. Sometimes that guy is a girl.

[drewcarroll2]

Not just in the gym but in all endeavors, there is always "that guy." He may already be in the room or about to walk through the door. He is not always the obvious one but he is way better than you or most anyone you know. Sometimes that guy is a girl.

You guys were talking about me? J/K

SO, why the "fast descent on bench"? I do a controlled descent now. I don't think it is either "fast" or "slow" but I am not clear what you guys mean.

[Squatson]

Fast on the way down, then explode fast up. Fast takes advantage of the stretch reflex. Fast takes practice...go as fast as you can while keeping the bar under control