The bottom portion of the bench press is a sticking point for a lot of lifters.
Here’s a simple cue to help you build powerful reversal strength off the chest to blow through that sticking point.
Touch the bar lightly to your chest like it’s made of glass.
Rather than lowering the weight with my arms and letting crash or rest dead on my chest, I control it down with my lats to build explosive reversal strength.
I keep my shoulder blades screwed into my back pocket and try to touch the outside of my lats together as I bring the weight to my chest.
This builds tension, loading the lats so when the bar meets my chest, it feels weightless and ready to spring up.
Here’s a great video from world record powerlifter, Stan Efferding on building tension during the eccentric part of the movement.
Want a bigger bench press?
Send me an email at adamnpine@gmail.com with “BENCH PRESS” in the subject line.
