Benching on the Floor

[XReps]

My Chiropractor suggests benching on the floor. He says it works different pectoral/arm muscles than the traditional bench; also saving shoulder injuries/problems (as well as shoulder blades).

Anyone hear of this? I've never seen any person do this at any gym I've ever been at, nor have ever read about anything like this in any muscle mag.

Am I going to look like a weirdo benching on the floor underneath the smith machine?

[XReps]

Interesting, they're called FLOOR PRESSES! Never seen/heard of them before.

"The floor press movement strengthens the midpoint of the bench press. This is a power lifting technique that will take your bench to new levels! As an added benefit, your triceps will explode!"

[IBdmfkr]

You'll see PL'ers put blocks on their chest and bench also, working the same muscle groups. Doesn't allow you to go deep.

[catabolic kid]

My Chiropractor suggests benching on the floor. He says it works different pectoral/arm muscles than the traditional bench; also saving shoulder injuries/problems (as well as shoulder blades).

Anyone hear of this? I've never seen any person do this at any gym I've ever been at, nor have ever read about anything like this in any muscle mag.

Am I going to look like a weirdo benching on the floor underneath the smith machine?

If you are not a powerlifter, which I assume you are not, than do not do floor presses or board presses in order to save your shoulder joints. There are many other better alternatives.

What should you replace flat barbell presses with? It dedpends on the injury...I also have bad shoulders and focusing on incline bench rather than flat has helped me...but, we likely have different shoulder issues so you will need to find what "Bench Press Alternative" works best for you. Try using dumbell over barbells, or machines such as the Hammer Strength equipment. These are all better alternatives than floor/board presses.

[RJstrong]

floor presses are great... I do them all the time... as a powerlifter its a must have exercise in my arsenal!!! remember control the weight on the decent otherwise you will forearms will mysteriously shorten ...

[chest6]

Yeah more of a powerlifting exercise. Theyre pretty tough. Like RJ said..you better control the weight on the eccentric or you'll bust your elbows. Those..2-lockout board presses work different parts of the bench and can help you push past sticking points in your lift.