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Thread: Wide bench pad and failed lift

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
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    1

    Default Wide bench pad and failed lift

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    Hi all,
    I have been using the standard 12 inch bench for my entire lifting journey, pre-SS, NLP, and through intermediate programming.
    I recently purchased a wide pad that is 14 inches as it is billed as easier on the shoulders. I am 51 years old and have had a previous shoulder surgery due to my previous life in the Army and thought this might be a good move at injury prevention.

    I used it for the first time today and I failed my second and third sets of Bench for my work set. I have previously hit these numbers with relative ease. I am just curious if anyone has had a similar experience and knows if the wider pad restricts some muscle usage, leverage or just takes some getting use to.

    Thanks!
    MG

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    North Texas
    Posts
    53,557

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    696

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunric View Post
    Hi all,
    I have been using the standard 12 inch bench for my entire lifting journey, pre-SS, NLP, and through intermediate programming.
    I recently purchased a wide pad that is 14 inches as it is billed as easier on the shoulders. I am 51 years old and have had a previous shoulder surgery due to my previous life in the Army and thought this might be a good move at injury prevention.

    I used it for the first time today and I failed my second and third sets of Bench for my work set. I have previously hit these numbers with relative ease. I am just curious if anyone has had a similar experience and knows if the wider pad restricts some muscle usage, leverage or just takes some getting use to.

    Thanks!
    MG
    Yes, the SS Bench, which I own and use, may be the answer. After using it you will never go back to a cushioned bench regardless of width. The narrow width seems to allow a better range of motion.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
    Posts
    535

    Default

    Yep, the wider the bench the harder it is to retract the scapula and set your upper back into a stable pressing position. Same with floor press.

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