Nederlands | English | Deutsch | Türkçe

Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

Stable shoulder position in bench press vs pushups?

4 min read

Asked by: David Neagle

Are push-ups better for shoulders than bench press?

While this is not surprising, the research also found that there were no significant differences in strength improvements between the bench press vs the push up groups, suggesting that if loading is relatively similar, strength improvements and EMG muscle activity in the bench press and push-up are comparable.

Should shoulders move during bench press?


The shoulders need to be put in a position where they're down. And back the entire time and they shouldn't move at all.

Does bench press improve shoulder stability?

Powerlifters can benefit from shoulder stability during squats, deadlifts, and of course the bench press. If you’re simply looking to pack on muscle, then a more stable shoulder will ensure your form is tighter for all those lateral raises and overhead dumbbell presses.

How should you position your shoulders when performing the bench press?

So setting up first thing he's gonna do pull the shoulders down back just like he did with the PVC. Guess that locked in and take his grips a little outside shoulder width here.

Do push-ups equal bench press?

It’s true, a push-up just can’t replace a bench press if you’re looking for massive gains and already benching a lot more pounds than your body weight. But if you haven’t built up to big weights, a push-up is a satisfactory substitute. Elite lifters can’t replace the bench press with the push-up and see gains, however.

Why can I bench a lot but not do push-ups?

If you bench a lot but don’t do many pushups, your body has learned the motor pattern for bench very well, but not for pushups (it’s similar but not the same) so your muscles work less efficiently with pushups and get tired faster.

How can I improve my shoulder stability?

External rotator strengthening exercise

  1. Start by tying a piece of elastic exercise material to a doorknob. …
  2. Stand or sit with your shoulder relaxed and your elbow bent 90 degrees. …
  3. Hold one end of the elastic band with the hand of the painful arm.
  4. Start with your forearm across your belly. …
  5. Repeat 8 to 12 times.


Should you retract your scapula when benching?

The shoulders and elbows are primary joints used in the bench press, so by keeping the shoulder blades retracted, these joints are not stressed as much and are able to move the weight more effectively. So, by keeping the shoulder blades in, not only is it safer but also more effective.

How do I stop my shoulders from rounding when benching?

Bench pressing, in addition to computer work and prolonged sitting, can contribute to your rounded shoulder condition. For best results, stretch your shoulders and muscles thoroughly after performing weightlifting exercises to prevent your shoulders from rounding.

How do you position yourself for bench press?

Area make sure your elbows. And upper arms are at a 45 degree angle to your torso. Drive the bar upward keeping your torso. And legs tight congratulations you've just completed the benchpress.

Should you keep your wrists straight when benching?

Simply put, the safest and most effective way to bench press is to use a straight or locked wrist. When you bench press with bent wrists you’re creating an “energy leak” in the system, thereby reducing force output and making it that much harder on yourself to press the bar up away from your body.

Should you arch your back when you bench?

Why Do People Arch Their Back When Bench Pressing? Simply put, the point of the back arch is to help you lift more weight. It accomplishes this by reducing range of motion, increasing stability, and recruiting other muscle groups to help you generate more power.

Should you keep your back flat when bench pressing?

To keep your shoulders safe during the Bench Press, you MUST keep the “ball” in the “socket.” Arching your back helps draw the ball deeper into the socket and allows you to use your upper-back muscles to pull your shoulder blades down and back into a stable position.

What should the average man be able to bench press?

Statistics show that the average, untrained man should be able to bench press at least 135 pounds.



Testing Yourself.

Age Three-rep maximum weight
20-29 100% of your body weight
30-39 90% of your body weight
40-49 80% of your body weight
50-59 75% of your body weight


How do I get a bigger bench Arch?

Okay so if you're looking how to get a nice tighter arch a higher arch. That's the key right there guys you gotta keep your leg drive into play during the setup.

How can I arch my back more on bench press?

And push yourself towards the spotter push. Yourself across the bench if your chest is high you will feel your legs reinforcing your arch by driving your traps further into the bench. Keep.