Bench press grip?

[TheLad]

Hi!

Does it matter what grip you have when you do the bench press?

I normally let it rest on my palms, not really grip it, does it matter?

Thanks

 

[LucSulla]

Yes. You need to squeeze the bar like you are trying to wring water from it, and the bar needs to be directly over your elbow and, as a result, over centered over your wrist at all times. With the grip, attack it like you are trying to bend the bar. This tightens up everything in your forearms and helps tighten your shoulders and lats a bit more. In turn, this adds more stability to the lift AND will help your shoulder girdle.

 

[ExtraMile]

If yuo mean you bench with your thumbs off the bar then you basically just run the risk of it slipping out your hands. Im not hardcore enough to grip like that lol

 

[scotty too hotty]

There is a video of Kevin Levrone suicide gripping a 495 incline press for reps. If you're crazy enough to do it then go for it. We all know what risks there are when weightlifting, and we need to decide for ourselves what risks are worth taking. Motorcycles aren't safe, but everybody has one!

 

[scotty too hotty]

My bad, I must have been tripping. My memory failed me. Here is the vid I was thinking of though, it's a good watch for sure:
YouTube - Levrone bench/incline m3

 

[scotty too hotty]

Now here is some suicide inclines! Frank is strong as hell, and look at that form! YouTube - Animal Chest - Incline presses

 

[JDid23]

closer grip will work your triceps more and a further grip will work your chest more...... always leave your thumbs on the bar because it helps your forearms more and you have a lesser chance of dropping the bar with heavy weight. you are more in control with your thumbs

 

[SouthernLord]

Yes. You need to squeeze the bar like you are trying to wring water from it, and the bar needs to be directly over your elbow and, as a result, over centered over your wrist at all times. With the grip, attack it like you are trying to bend the bar. This tightens up everything in your forearms and helps tighten your shoulders and lats a bit more. In turn, this adds more stability to the lift AND will help your shoulder girdle.

This.

 

[needtogetaas]

Yes. You need to squeeze the bar like you are trying to wring water from it, and the bar needs to be directly over your elbow and, as a result, over centered over your wrist at all times. With the grip, attack it like you are trying to bend the bar. This tightens up everything in your forearms and helps tighten your shoulders and lats a bit more. In turn, this adds more stability to the lift AND will help your shoulder girdle.

I do exactly this. Except when I am ready to press I think in my mind I am pushing the myself away from the bar rather then the bar away from myself. I also drive with my legs big time.

 

[LucSulla]

I do exactly this. Except when I am ready to press I think in my mind I am pushing the myself away from the bar rather then the bar away from myself. I also drive with my legs big time.

I'm going to practice that perspective. I can see how it would be quite helpful.