Brand new bencher

[Smurfy]

Im basically brand new to bench pressing although ive been benching for over 6 months im just now learning to lift for strength gains as opposed to just lifting if that makes any sense LOL
my question is i know to squeeze my shoulder blades together to prepare for the lift and to also arch my back and poke my chest up so everything is tight.
i usually tighten up the shoulder blades as i grab the bar but when i unrack it, i seem to have to loosen up to get it off the rack apparently my arms are too short. then when i unrack, i have to readjust my shoulder blades again but this time with the pressure of the weight on top pf me.
is this normal and expected? or should i just wait till i unrack to get the shoulder blades in position?

 

[Devastation]

if your arms are too short, yes this can happen. try and find a liftoff.

 

[Liftbig]

good call devestation. always get everything set up and tight before you take the bar out of the racks. its really hard to set up under weight after you unrack the bar.

 

[landcaster2002]

short arms

your benefit, big time,'cause it's all about locking out not racking the barbell bro

 

[Smurfy]

Thanks guys...and i do try to have my boyfriend liftoff and spot for me as often as pssible but sometimes im left to lift solo so it can really suck especially since i cant go to failure when i have no spot. and since im new, i dont really know my real potential as far as how heavy i can go so of course im leary when im under the bar. need to build up the confidence and figure out my 1RM so i know what kind of weight i can handle on my own when i have no spotter