Yet another bench press question(s)

[TylerT]

I guess all the flaring of the elbows in the past is coming back to haunt me. I am now tucking my elbows in to the body, it feels completely unnatural but I know it's something I have to do if I don't want my shoulder to fall off.

I am having to rotate my wrists slightly. Hold your fists out straight in front of you, and pull them back towards your body. That's what I'm having to do with my wrists to keep my elbows in. Is this normal? It feels weird as can be. It hasn't hurt my wrists yet, but it seems like it would under enough weight.

Also, my inclines have suffered a ton. I can't keep my elbows in at all. I was always taught to bring the bar to the upper part of the chest on inclines, and because of my wrists being rotated back, it's not working out like it should. Can you flare the elbows on incline a little bit more? Or can I just bring the bar down to my standard position of the chest like on flat? Thanks.

 

[Smurfy]

Personally, I dont tuck my elbows quite as much on inclines.

 

[Cynical Simian]

There's nothing about benching with elbows in that should necessitate bending your wrists back. The bar should be on the heel of your palm.

 

[TylerT]

I went back out to my shack to see about this again. Cynical, you are right. I tried with the best form I could muster, and it's no problem on the flat bench. It's on the incline. I can't keep my wrists straight, elbows tucked and bring it towards my upper pecs. Maybe I need to work on flexibility. Or maybe there are others who don't tuck elbows as much on incline? Thanks

 

[fortunatesun]

I'm going to agree that there's a bit more flair on my inclines but only a few inches. I don't think that amount of difference is significant.
As long as everything else on your incline is OK, I would concentrate on doing what seems to work best from a strength position- assuming your joints can give you a go-ahead. Don't get bogged down by sticking with a form for form's sake. This is a sure way to start losing ground.

 

[TylerT]

And the lowering of the bar to the 'upper' pecs? Is that pretty much standard? Or do some people lower to the standard area? (like they would on flat bench) Thank you all.

 

[bignate73]

inclines I lower the bar to mid chest, this allows me to tuck and keeps my shoulders "relaxed" and not stretching to get the bar down there.

 

[lesarin]

You would think the benchpress would be an easy exercise to get. However for me i look like a retarded kid doing it. At least my stablizer muscles get a good workout. LOL.