
Originally Posted by
kelkel
Well, elbows should be angled down, not horizontal with the plane of your clavical.
A bench press is not straight up and down. It's a small arc actually.
Not sure why you can't arch your back? Powerlifters will plant their feet (angled out slightly) further toward the head of the bench then slide down into bench creating an arch and natural coil. Holding the bar the entire time of course. You should be so locked in that you can not lift your butt off the bench if you tried. Remember, you draw power from your legs when benching and this creates a natural energy flow. Proving this point is as simple as holding your legs in the air when benching and realizing how much weaker your are.
Just some thoughts...