Why do people add chains to the bench?

[barcaboyz11]

Couldnt they just add the extra weights the chains would way anyway? Looks excessive to see these guys walking around with these massive chains just for bench press.

 

[SteveMobsterG]

No. As they lift more chain comes off the floor so the bar becomes heavier. As it goes down the reverse is also true. And you're stronger at the top which is when, as I say, it's at its heaviest

 

[stevesmi]

I used to wonder this too and always thought it was retarded, but now that I am doing more faster workouts and drop setting i totally get the concept

mobster summed up the method to the madness above. it is actually a great concept for ripping up muscle fibers on the way down instead of just on the way up

 

[MasonicBodybuilder]

I train at Planet Fitness half the time with my wife. No chains there!

 

[muskate]

Chains make the movement harder at the top of the movement because more chains are adding resistance and less are on the floor.

The top of the movement is the sticking point for most people so chains are a great tool for getting past plateaus!