Close grip bench substitute

[Bbinck1]

I am using your strength and mass after 40 program. Everytime I do close grip bench (even slightly closer than regular) I get pain in left shoulder. I regular bench relatively pain free. Should I substitute the exercise with something else? I already do the cable push downs and single arm dumbbell ext. I am 45 weigh 195 and my 5rm in bench is 235 if that helps.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Are you tucking your elbows into your sides or flaring them out? I also like floor presses and you can do them with a close grip or a regular bench grip

[Bbinck1]

I tuck elbows in. It's weird and more annoying than anything else. I may try floor presses. I wonder if I used one of elitefts's angled bars if it would make a difference. I can't for the life of me figure out why a couple of inches makes such a difference. Are JM presses hard on shoulders? Do you have any experience with those.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Harder on elbows than shoulders. The Elitefts multigrip bar would probably help. I think Rogue has one now too.