Interesting Chest/Bench workout; Opinions?

[_Dave_]

Hey all...

I noticed a couple of guys doing a chest (flat bench, barbell) workout that I've never seen before and wanted to get some opinions on it.

It was on the power rack, similar to this one (note the horizontal, black bars --> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ima...sporting-goods

Again, they were using a flat bench and a barbell that was resting on the black crossbars.

1st set - The crossbars were set so the barbell would stop at, or just above their chest - like a traditional bench press.

2nd set - They went heavier, and raised the crossbars so they were only doing approximately the top 75% of the motion.

3rd set - Heavier, and only the top 50%... so on and so forth.

They even went so high as to only complete like 3 or 4 inches of movement. I can see how this could be a decent exercise. Not a weekly thing, but if nothing else you get used to handling heavier weights than you can on a traditional bench press.

Important note: NOT on a smith machine. I know the difference.

What do we think? FUBAR? Worth it?

[rickrick55]

i read something about that for squatting..except it had it in the opposite order..you start with the a small amount of motion, but have more weight than you could do regular reps on..and move down the rack as well as weight.

It claimed to give you big strength gains by making your body move more weight than you can actually handle..sounds like its sort of garbage though, it is certainly not an every week workout.

try it and let us know how it goes!

[stpete]

Sounds as if they were doing some powerlifting techniques. And i would say yes. Worth it.

[THE_DOME]

similar to lifting with chains. The idea is that you are alot stronger towards the very top of the movement. thus eventually will be able to be stronger through the entire lift. also will be able to get through parts of your bench when you are at a sticking point