Benching with feet on bench

[shanuea]

Hi Mark, In the book you say if you have lower back problems you can bench with your feet up on the bench to keep your lower back flat - though you will lift less weight this way.

So I have a low back problem and have started trying benching with feet up on bench. I am lifting less weight and my upper back feels kind of 'squishee' against the bench - its difficult to squeeze your shoulder blades together in this position and form a nice hard area to push from (without forming an arch in your lower back)

Do you have any tips for this position?

[Mark Rippetoe]

It has it's limitations. My tip would be to try to maintain the best arch you can, and to put your feet back on the floor ASAFP.