Improving bench press

[stacks88]

Do oyu guys think this is an important lift? I feel like its not as important as most people think. Why is everyone obsessed with it and always have to wait for the bench to become available.

 

[SteveMobsterG]

It's considered a test of a guys strength - hence its popularity

 

[stevesmi]

there is no 'important lift'

however it is one of the most vital exercises yes.

 

[florencenoir]

You don't need to bench, but it's a great chest exercise. However there's a lot of variations that you can use it. I prefer dumbbell bench variations for volume and hypertrophy work.
I know a guy who has a big, big chest and uses only the smith machine and dumbbells for bench. Your training periodization influences much more on results than a specific exercise.

It's considered a test of a guys strength - hence its popularity

That's true.
However I think the squat is the best to test strength. A huge squat is much more powerful than anything.

 

[SteveMobsterG]

Teenagers seem to like it. It's up there with curls

 

[muskate]

I don't flat bench press often. Most people suffer from too much lower peck.

I always prioritize incline bench press. It's also much easier on the shoulders