poll on proper bench technique

[ray0414]

just wondering how many people here lift their butts off the bench when the bench press. im sure we've all seen someone who does that. I consider that to be horrible form and completely diminishes muscle gain on your chest, seems like everyone i see who benches like that doesnt have very good pecs at all. I keep my butt down at all times and my chest is pretty built for a little guy. I've even heard that lifting your butt when u bench can compress your spine and cause damage to vertabrae. I think the main reason people do this is cause they can "use more weight" but its not working their chest so theres really no point at all in doing it.

[EatLiftGrow]

No one should ever arch their back. Terrible form.

[stpete]

Shouldre blades together, back firmly on the bench, feet planted and not to be moved. This was the way i was taught and the way i've always done it.

[T_Own]

arching your back definitely puts more strain on it and can cause damage in the long run

i try to avoid it, but sometimes i do a little for the last rep