What exactly makes the bench press less practical for athletes, especially fighters?

[NoSmilez]

I'm glad I'm not the only person who's bullshit meter broke when they read that. I suppose it's possible but nobody I know that could have done that would have called themselves unathletic. Perhaps he thinks 225 means a 25 on each side?



We can probably exclude Cain from this list. ASU has a solid strength program.



Some would call it, unnatural.

Not anymore for Cain. He can barely do pushups properly. Age and injuries take so much away.

 

[JimRussel]

Not anymore for Cain. He can barely do pushups properly. Age and injuries take so much away.

And prison.

 

[hardheart]

Not anymore for Cain. He can barely do pushups properly. Age and injuries take so much away.

Sure, but the original statement I was responding to was an "ever" based statement not a "can today" statement.

 

[DonkeyKong]

Doesn't emphasize auxiliary muscles. Asymmetry isn't that perceptible. It's not dynamic in the slightest. It has a higher risk of injury. The pectoral muscles are just not that important in combat.

 

[hardheart]

Doesn't emphasize auxiliary muscles. Asymmetry isn't that perceptible. It's not dynamic in the slightest. It has a higher risk of injury. The pectoral muscles are just not that important in combat.

Pec, no.
Triceps, delts, traps, rhombs, core are all yes.

You are correct in the risk of injury. That's it from front to back. That's the only reason to avoid bench. Risk of injury.

 

[thugpoet]

Pec, no.
Triceps, delts, traps, rhombs, core are all yes.

You are correct in the risk of injury. That's it from front to back. That's the only reason to avoid bench. Risk of injury.

Agreed. And even then the risk is minimal. If you workout smart you'll be ok. Strength training in general is lower on the priority list just get stronger in the big 3 slowly and without messing up your ability to train your sport.

 

[hardheart]

Agreed. And even then the risk is minimal. If you workout smart you'll be ok. Strength training in general is lower on the priority list just get stronger in the big 3 slowly and without messing up your ability to train your sport.

I have a freakishly long reach and was doing bench wrong my entire life. Not sure how much I f'd up my shoulders but there were times I couldn't wipe my ass without pain. The risk is real, but, I'll agree with proper coaching it's fine.