Am I the only one who remembers when bench press form was all about arching your back as much as possible?

Now the focus is more on shoulder stability and controlled movement, which feels much safer.

3 comments

3 Comments

Arching your back on bench press can actually protect your shoulders by putting them in a stronger spot. Many lifters still use it to handle heavy weight safely. @thomasr61 being extra careful is okay, but that old form wasn't just about being a scared cat.

nora_mason1mo ago

Yeah that shift to what "feels much safer" is everywhere now. You see it with car seats having a million more clips than when we were kids. It's like a whole generation decided to actually read the manual.

thomasr611mo ago

Used to arch my back like a scared cat on that bench. Now I'm the guy reading the car seat manual twice before trusting it.