Bench and Press vs. Only Press

[Polynomial]

Rip,

You argue that benching and pressing in a 1:1 ratio keeps your shoulders healthy and your estrogen levels in check. That comment, however, is mostly aimed at people who only bench. My question: is forsaking the bench press to focus on presses or overhead lifts (like strongman competitors) a cause for possible shoulder issues?

- Patrick

[Mark Rippetoe]

No benches? I don't bench due to a shoulder injury that is aggravated by the exercise, and I haven't in a long time. But then again, I'm not trying to get stronger -- I'm just trying not to have surgery. You will have no problems with only pressing, as opposed to lots of problems with only benching. But it's not optimal for strength development.