Is chest bouncing recommended?

[ellinghad]

You guys have to excuse my ignorance, because I have learned a lot of how to lift by my friend on the football team when I was in high school. I understand that arching your back and "bouncing" the weight off of your chest can help you lift a little more. Well I have been trying that 5x5 thing and last lift (on Sunday) went pretty well! I started with 165, then lifted 185, 185, 205, 205, and on the last set could only do 3, which is good for my small stature (I'm 5'10" and weigh 165 lbs)

But today was horrible. On my second set at 185 I bounced the weight on my chest a little too hard (I always bounce the weight but it never hurt like this) and my chest hurt pretty bad. I did the last 3 sets but they were horrible (around 2-3). I got tentative because I didn't want to hurt my chest more.

So I guess what I'm asking is do you guys recommend this chest bouncing? What's your take on that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JL_204]

No. Do not bounce the wieght off your chest. You are at risk of injuring yourself.
Obviously if its hurting you should stop.

 

[markshark]

my chest never got sore when i used to do that. i now pick up the weight and lower it slow and stop it at about 1/2 inch from my chest then push it back up. ive gotten stronger that way then bouncing.

 

[Cynical Simian]

Definitely not recommended. Check out the bench press sticky in the powerlifting section.

Basically, not only is it dangerous, you're actually doing yourself a disservice in terms of building strength, despite the fact that you're able to use a heavier weight.

 

[ellinghad]

Understood. I really appreciate all of your comments! It's so great being able to get great advice on lifting, and I appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

Thanks and God bless. (P.S.: If you have any other helpful tips feel free to add here )

 

[blut wump]

You don't mention which week you are in on the 5x5 but, unless it's week3 or week4, you're using too much weight if you're failing already.

 

[ellinghad]

Well I am not going be lifting super seriously, I am just trying out the method, though it is my first week doing so. I have to keep my nose to the grindstone and focus on my studies..

 

[araiber]

It depends what you want to get out of your workout:
A) Broken ribs, pains, but claim you can bench press more.. or
B) Get stronger, build up your lats, tris, and all the other supporting muscles by doing the exercise correctly
I say who the hell cares how much you can do. When you arch the bar has a shorter way to go, thats why it seems easier, and if you bounce it, its self explanatory- but whats gonna happen when you bounce it and you lose the grip? Ouch man. Safety first, ego second.

 

[blut wump]

It's reckoned that people bounce the bar just to see natural selection in action.

ellinghad, you're definitely using too much weight for week1. week1 is meant to be easy to acclimatize you to the volume.

 

[ellinghad]

Oh, alright. Thanks for the tips guys! I didn't mean to sound arrogant or anything with the weights, I just want to challenge myself the hardest. So I will lower it and use better form. Thanks again!

 

[Tagio]

question already answered, but you have an awesome attitude toward training. thumbs up