Need a bigger bench
Any ideas for adding extra weight on my bench press? I am not aspiring to be a powerlifter, I just want to take it up a notch from my current 185 x 10, to 225 x 8. I just can’t seem to get past 205 x 3. Help. Signed 49 years old and enjoying life.
My best advice is to not seek heavy weight on the bench press and instead use it as a muscle building exercise only.
Going heavy in the bench is notorious for causing frustration and shoulder damage, killers to long term training joy. Go to dumbbells on flat and various degrees of incline for safer, smarter, happier and more effective shoulder and pec development.
Employ the bench press to satisfy our almost instinctive need to perform the old standard, but take it to 80- and 90-percent effort (in either weight or repetitions) without losing form.
Change grip occasionally for varied muscle engagement, development and entertainment. Try the Apollon axle thick bar for a real treat and treatment.
When in doubt, call upon the IOL forum for daring input.
Go… Dave
Dave Draper - Dave Draper Posted on January 20th, 2008 in Aging Well, Shoulder Issues, Weight Training by Dave Draper