flat bench vs slight incline bench

[CoopDawg]

Originally Posted by Bodybygamma

Stick with Flat Bench Press, and just add in some Incline Dumbell Bench Press, In the long run incline bench press just screws up the collar, bone and shoulders. I used to be stronger at my incline bench press when I first started lifting and even after a year or two was doing 275x4 on incline when my flat bench was only 295x3, as well as 305 on incline and only 315 on flat so it was pretty close. However after time, Incline bench press caused me more harm then benefits, giving me pain my rotator cuff and collar bone for the first time in my life.

Sure I have came a long way since then, but in my opinion incline bench press is obsolete compared to flat bench press and the Incline dumbbell variant that allows you to target more so your upper pecs that mostly shoulders with varying grips.

great post, thanks, is your new dl vid up yet

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by Bodybygamma

Stick with Flat Bench Press, and just add in some Incline Dumbell Bench Press, In the long run incline bench press just screws up the collar, bone and shoulders. I used to be stronger at my incline bench press when I first started lifting and even after a year or two was doing 275x4 on incline when my flat bench was only 295x3, as well as 305 on incline and only 315 on flat so it was pretty close. However after time, Incline bench press caused me more harm then benefits, giving me pain my rotator cuff and collar bone for the first time in my life.

Sure I have came a long way since then, but in my opinion incline bench press is obsolete compared to flat bench press and the Incline dumbbell variant that allows you to target more so your upper pecs that mostly shoulders with varying grips.

I agree. IF your going to do incline's a Db press is way easier on rotator cuff if you do a neutral grip and at only a 30-40 deg. angle. 45 is to steep, it's more of a shoulder press.

[BendtheBar]

I have to be careful with inclines. They tend to hit my shoulders harder. Many bodybuilders recommend them as a staple, but as a young lifter I would rather see you use bench press and dips.

Quite frankly there is somewhat of an obsession with incline presses in bodybuilding. I think many bodybuilders really desire a thick upper pec area, but that is hard to build even if you overkill inclines.

Regarding "droopy" pecs...that would be a blessing. Thick pecs are hard to build in general. Arnold was a lucky dog when it came to thick pecs. Believe me, if you have thick lower pecs you will look darn impressive.

Once you are on a roll with muscle building, maybe after 6 months or so, I would say it would be time to try some inclines and maybe throw in some flat bench dumbbell presses from time to time.

When I do inclines, I don't go very deep. I save my shoulders.

[Rich Knapp]

This isn't incline but it is the grip I am talking about. I have even found it is easier on my Rotator Cuff for flat Db Presses.
I tore my right side back in 2004 when I only did the traditional flared bar grip with heavy Db's. Light weight I still use that grip but not on heavy weights. The Hammer Strength ISO machine even has a neutral grip handle for this reason. Not straight bar grip. (More of a angle than vid makes it look like.)

[Rich Knapp]

Notice the upper arm is at a 45 to my body not 90 deg.

[CoopDawg]

thanks rich i will hold them at this angle rom now on

[Rich Knapp]

He is using the old school Bodybuilders grip. BUT look at the bench angle. Any higher it is a shoulder exercise.

[CoopDawg]

dam thats impressive what angle u suggest 25 degress or more 25 is pretty low

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by CoopDawg

dam thats impressive what angle u suggest 25 degress or more 25 is pretty low

NO more than 40. 40 is the Max. ON ME days stay closer to 30 like in the vid.

Inclines are to hit the upper pecs NOT front delts. Any time your upper arm is at a angle closer to your head than your feet it is a angle of incline press.
To much and it becomes a angle of shoulder press. Rule of thumb. From a side view if your upper arm is even with your chin it's a type of shoulder press.

[CoopDawg]

k i watched ur vid and i see where u bring them down thanks bro