Thumb pain benching.

[nsashbl01]

Does anyone have suggestions on eliminating thumb pain during flat and incline bench? I can help the pain by using a narrower grip, but then I/m not working my pecs as much. I tried wrapping my thumb on the same side of the bar as my index finger, but that hurts as well.

 

[bignate73]

youre going too wide (consistently), vary your grip width from time to time. who told you you arent "working your pecs" as much?

 

[nsashbl01]

I used a narrow grip for several months following shoulder surgery. My tri's were growing well, but not my chest. As soon as I went wider, my chest showed noticable improvements.

I really don't go that wide. Different bars had rings that vary, but generally I'm just outside the first ring. When the bar's on my chest, my elbows are still less than 90 degrees.

If I flair my elbows, it helps. Or should I just stay narrow?

 

[onerepmaximum]

If you have access, you might try incorporating dumbells into your chest routine too.

 

[super_rice]

dumbbells are nice... hard to keep those bastages steady

 

[nsashbl01]

I used dumbells for the first few months after my surgery. After like 60lbs there's a chance I hurt my shoulder getting into position. So I switched to barbell bench. I still alternate sometimes though.