Figure 7-17 Close Grip Bench Press

[wakk0]

Hey Rip,

I was reading through chapter 7 in SS:BBT 3rd Edition and I was studying Figure 7-17. I might be over-analyzing this, but should the distances in the drawings be swapped? After reading the description on page 251, "On a standard power bar, the knurl ha a gap of between 16 and 17 inches, so the edge of the knurl makes a good place to start." it seems like the 16.5" measurement should be seen on the figure on the left. Is this correct, or am I missing some other point in the figure?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I like it just the way it is. Thanks, though.

[Drewcar]

16.4953" to be exact. We like our significant figures around here.

[lewabbit]

Coach Rip,

I have a question regarding the close grip benches. If your forearm is to be vertical at the bottom point of the bench press- the CGBP would, by nature bring the bar down to somewhere close to the solar plexus or below. Does this end up involving the chest at all, or would the triceps end up doing most of the work, with the lats stabilising the entire movement( if the lats, indeed,function in that capacity?

[Mark Rippetoe]

If your forearm is to be vertical at the bottom point of the bench press- the CGBP would, by nature bring the bar down to somewhere close to the solar plexus or below.

I don't understand your analysis. I can CG with the bar anywhere on my sternum I want it.

[Bobster]

lewrabbit, your forearms would be vertical at the bottom of a medium grip BP. With a CGBP, your forearms would be vertical at the top if at all depending on how close a grip you end up using.

[quad]

I think he means he is supposed to have vertical forearms in CG so in order to do so he has to bring the bar lower, you are not supposed to have vertical forearms at the bottom of a CG.

[Subsistence]

I don't understand your analysis. I can CG with the bar anywhere on my sternum I want it.

Can you do so with vertical forearms from all angles?

[Mark Rippetoe]

At the bottom, the CG bench will not show vertical forearms.

[Trewarin]

At the bottom, the CG bench will not show vertical forearms.

But... the moment arm?!
Won't that cause UNAVOIDABLE ELBOW EXPLOSIONS?!