Bench form check, be harsh!

[mikeyfresh]

Didn't get the legs in, sorry. Other then that?

[mikeyfresh]

Bump. Anyone?

[Oldster]

I'm not going to be real harsh. Your setup doesn't look too bad, I like the arch and solidness. The upper back is nice and tight.

What I don't like is how wide your grip is and how it makes your elbows flair out to 90 degrees. That is eventually a shoulder injury waiting to explode when you least expect it.

If you were to bring each hand in 2", maybe 2 1/2", keeping the elbows at a 45 degree angle to your torso and press straight upward you then take the pressure from your shoulders and place it on your triceps, thereby adding decades of longevity to your lifting. Be advised however, you will see an initial drop in your poundages as is normal anytime you change something. But you'll be able to not just work back up to previous weights but blow past them in a big way.

There is a drawback though, your upper arms will increase dramatically in size as your strength increases.

[nkelman]

Yeah bring your grip in like Oldster said.

[mikeyfresh]

I'm not going to be real harsh. Your setup doesn't look too bad, I like the arch and solidness. The upper back is nice and tight.

What I don't like is how wide your grip is and how it makes your elbows flair out to 90 degrees. That is eventually a shoulder injury waiting to explode when you least expect it.

If you were to bring each hand in 2", maybe 2 1/2", keeping the elbows at a 45 degree angle to your torso and press straight upward you then take the pressure from your shoulders and place it on your triceps, thereby adding decades of longevity to your lifting. Be advised however, you will see an initial drop in your poundages as is normal anytime you change something. But you'll be able to not just work back up to previous weights but blow past them in a big way.

There is a drawback though, your upper arms will increase dramatically in size as your strength increases.

Thanks for the advice. I initially benched with a closer grip but decided to experiment a bit for a few weeks. Guess I'll go back to a slightly more narrow grip.