First board press session

[BigGreen]

I've made the conscious decision to dedicate some serious time to actual STRENGTH training....hypertrophy be damned. As a part of this, I've revamped my bench pressing plane, grip and all of that fun stuff to mirror the more efficient powerlifter press than that of the bodybuilder. Like any physical movement, there's a dramatic initial drop-off that comes with changing styles...one that's pretty harsh on the ego as well.

Tonight represented my first time board pressing (two board) with this sort of grip/plane (and my first time board pressing period in several, several years) and it was SHOCKING how much that static/dynamic transfer kicked my ass. You hear so much about the board press allowing you to use more weight than normal, but it quickly became apparent to me that this is the case only after you've developed some familiarity with the movement and technique. Tonight, it kicked my ass and humbled me in a BIG way. It's been a LONG time since 275 was a struggle on anything but the x-teenth rep...tonight it was a struggle on the very first. OUCH.

As a sidenote, I'm assuming this is indicative of a bencher who was overly relaint on pectoral strength (as most bodybuilders likely are) and deficient in tricep strength, correct? Anything else a fairly poor showing on my first board press experience might indicate?

[RJstrong]

I felt the same way after my 1st board press workout... only difference was I used 3 boards. Wow did I feel like my groove was way out of whack at first and everything felt heavy... however, a few years later I would have to say my bench has improved tremendously and board pressing has been a big factor in my progress.

[Phildude]

Now is it preferred to do board presses with a close grip, or regular grip. I've heard/seen both ways, just wondering if anyone had advice or preferences. Thanks.

[RJstrong]

Now is it preferred to do board presses with a close grip, or regular grip. I've heard/seen both ways, just wondering if anyone had advice or preferences. Thanks.

I use various grips... close, medium, regular, wide.

[Doc.Sust]

i use a closer and regular grip.changeit up often for the best results

[cmillett]

I usually work up 3RM's with reg.grip starting with the 2 brd too the 4brd then work my way back down to the 2 brd using close grips