MM Training Log

[Devastation]

P when was the last time you gave yourself a break from the workout? you should skip a bench day every 4th or 5th week even if you are on "supplements." if you're natural then 3 or maybe 4 weeks depending on how things are going. it sounds like you could skip your next bench day. clean up your diet and you'll be ready for the next round

 

[Parabellum]

I skipped a raw day on the 26th about three weeks ago. I'll skip Saturday and see how things go.

I recently started getting back to my Sunday/Thursday Squat/Dead workouts, but I was taking it easy due to a back injury taht seems to have healed a bit. I don't think that casued any problems though.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[thebrute]

hey parabellum,
that isn't too bad of a workout. but i took my rest just before i was about to get a cold. i took care of it when i took my rest..i agree with devastation about the rest...u need it. hell, it may do you wonders like it did me!! tb

 

[Vulgar_Display_Of_Power]

One thing that I noticed the last few 3 weeks or so since I widened my bench grip is that I feel pain in my outside tri-head, not like an overdoing it soreness just dull pain. I wonder if this is what is causing my recent bench press problems and elbow pain. It is in both arms and more pronounced in the right arm. In the past I followed everyone’s advice to train through it and that worked, this time it seems worse though.
B]

P-

Not meaning to critique your form, but are you tucking your elbows in tight when lowering the bar?

Since I have changed to the MM style(pushing back and flaring elbows) I feel I have had less pains than when trying to push in a straight line. My shoulder is even starting to feel healthy once again with this style.

Just curious if this might have anything to do with it.

 

[Parabellum]

P-

Not meaning to critique your form, but are you tucking your elbows in tight when lowering the bar?

Since I have changed to the MM style(pushing back and flaring elbows) I feel I have had less pains than when trying to push in a straight line. My shoulder is even starting to feel healthy once again with this style.

Just curious if this might have anything to do with it.

I never really pay attention where my elbows are. I'll have to try and see where they are.

Another thing that keeps bugging me (I'm not sure if it's imagined or not) I think on the 2nd rep of the last raw bench I was pushing to my head instead of straight up. I know better and I concentrate on what I'm doing. I'm picking things apart looking for the problem.

Where do you recommend my elbows should with a 32" grip?

 

[Devastation]

you should consciencely be trying to squeeze your elbows together while pulling the bar apart. your elbows will then find their right groove

 

[Parabellum]

Thanks Dev.

 

[Vulgar_Display_Of_Power]

Another thing that keeps bugging me (I'm not sure if it's imagined or not) I think on the 2nd rep of the last raw bench I was pushing to my head instead of straight up.
B]

Parabellum-

Are you saying that you DONT push it back over the face? If your not, then you need to find a video or something that shows how the MM guys push back then flare the elbows out(This is what they mean when they talk about letting it drift then locking it out.

Check out DG21's 700lb bench video clip. I think thats the best one Ive seen where you can tell what I'm talking about.

BTW- Im by no means a bench expert, just trying to pass on some tips that I never would have figured out on my own.

Hope this clarifies thing a little.

 

[Parabellum]

I have video clips somewhere in this thread of my form from an angle. I try to push straight up.

355 x 3

365 x 1

I watched the vid, it looks like he's pushing toward his head, I thought that was a no-no, due to having to push farther.

I just watched the S. Burns guest lift off of MM's site and I see what you mean. I bench to the top of my stomach and then try and push up in a line and there is a natural drift back.

I changed my grip so I need to video tape again and see what's going on.

I'm a student of the game and always learning, every bit of info helps, Thanks!

 

[Vulgar_Display_Of_Power]

Parabellum-

I will agree 100% that it is farther to push, and doesnt seem like the right motion, but when you get it (or even fairly close, as I still dont feel completely solid on my form yet) I think you will notice a major difference.

A few pointers I might give to you(take them for what they are worth):

Form=Try and set up with the balls of your feet below your ass under the bench. I thought this would take away from my balance and stability, but everything else is so frickin tight(If done correctly) that there is no much sway. I actually picked this up the weekend before I went to Naz from MJayM. He has INCREDIBLE technique and form. When my form can match his I will be assured of at least another 50lbs on my bench. The other thing I might mention on your setup is getting set up higher on your traps. BigWhitey was pushing my shoulder blades back down UNDER me when I would get set up. I actually had bruises on the TOPS of my traps from setting up this way. The closest way I can think to tell you to set up, is only your nuts and the top of your traps should be touching the bench.

PRESS MOTION= I couldnt tell much about how you were tucking the elbows, but let me suggest pushing the bar from your belly to over your face in a 45 degree angle, and flair your elbows at around the half way to three-quarter position.

Anyway, don't think Im acting like a know-it-all, just trying to pass along what I picked up from MM.

Lemme know if I can fill in any other blanks for you.