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PowerliftingintermediateBarbell

Bench Press - Powerlifting

Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Chest, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate

Bench Press - Powerlifting demonstration

Bench Press - Powerlifting, starting position
Bench Press - Powerlifting, starting position
Bench Press - Powerlifting, finishing position
Bench Press - Powerlifting, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.
  2. 2However wide your grip, it should cover the ring on the bar. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
  3. 3Lower the bar to your lower chest or upper stomach. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times.
  4. 4Pause when the barbell touches your torso, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
TricepsChestForearmsLatsShoulders

Exercise Details

Category
Powerlifting
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Bench Press - Powerlifting work?

Bench Press - Powerlifting primarily targets the Triceps. It also works the Chest, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Bench Press - Powerlifting?

Bench Press - Powerlifting requires Barbell.

Is Bench Press - Powerlifting suitable for beginners?

Bench Press - Powerlifting is classified as intermediate level. Beginners should master foundational movements first.

Alternatives to Bench Press - Powerlifting

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.