The Official Sticking Points Thread

[Grim83]

I figured we needed to start a thread about how to get past sticking points in some of the main exercises. For instance with the bench press, everyone talks about getting stuck on the chest or losing it at lock out, but what about the middle....

[BendtheBar]

In 2008 I really focused on the middle end of my press. I did 2 board presses (used a belt to fasten the boards to my chest and worked great), rack presses (from a couple different heights) and a boatload of reps for bench and CGBP. My CG's tend to stick off the chest so I felt by strengthening them I was also improving my bench. At that time is was easier to progress with CGs.

I don't know squat about sticking points compared to seasoned powerlifters, but for me more bench reps almost always equated to more progression.

[bwys61]

I think the middle is the anterior delt help. I have a huge flaw between 2 and 3 boards. Usually strong off the chest and at the top, but right between those 2, and I sputter out.

BTB is right. CG will increase the ROM of the entire lift, therefore training more supplemental muscles. However, it is hell on the shoulders when done too heavy, too often

I recommend heavy board work, CG bench, cambered bench, and incline bench to help with the anterior delts, to help get them to firing throughout the middle of the lift rather than just at the top