Board Pressing for the RAW lifter

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Fazc

You know, another shout out for the Slingshot I haven't even had an inkling of a shoulder strain since I started using it.

Not saying it would transfer to my raw bench because I'm not sure it does, but it sure saves the shoulders on a week-to-week basis.

Yes it does. It has completely changed my training dynamic. Not to derail this thread, but when I bench raw I always end up with strains that linger for months. With the Sling Shot I never have strains.

It might not directly carry over to a bigger bench, but it does allow me more frequency and intensity, and training longevity.

Now if there was one for squats...

[Fazc]

Briefs!

[Mr.Silverback]

solid everyone! I really appreciate the info...this may lead to another article for me! Or atleast I'll torture..err I mean help my clients reach new hieghts...lol

[LtL]

Just about to eat but can someone please remind me to post in detail here. I have trained my bench with boards for much of this year and have learnt a fair amount.

LtL

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by Mr.Silverback

solid everyone! I really appreciate the info...this may lead to another article for me! Or atleast I'll torture..err I mean help my clients reach new hieghts...lol

Glad to be of help and sorry about the Slingshot/Briefs tangent. But the Boards will work in the same sort of way, allowing you to get more work in without the low positions that typically cause more stress.

Al, post!

[Disciple X]

I've been using the 2 board for a couple months and my bench is rocking!!! I'm doing paused work to the chest on monday and 2 board work on thursday. Best results i've ever had...

[Disciple X]

Bout to go smash 380x3 for 4 sets off the 2 board in a few mins... hopefully

[LtL]

I think boards can really help the RAW lifter but there are some things to keep in mind. Here's what I have learnt this year:

1. Do not neglect the bottom end and just press heavy off boards. I did no full ROM for almost three months and when I tested my max expecting a big increase, my technique and balance/bar control at the bottom was so weak I barely pressed a 2.5kgs PB despite pressing 15kgs or so more off a two board.

2. Boards work well for tricep and lockout work. Things like close grip pressing off 3 boards or working up in a tricep hell fashion.

3. Just because you can press it off a 2 or a 3 board, does not mean you can press it off your chest. Boards don't work for raw lifters like they do for a shirted one.

4. Use boards to work your sticking point. It's a humbling experience but it will really help your full ROM.

I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of right now.

LtL

[Mr.Silverback]

No worries about the Slingshot/brief talk...that was gonna be my next target (slingshot) You guys rock, so much useful insight! Thanks again, and LtL thanks as well! This is all great advice especially for the novice lifter!

[dmaipa]

LtL brought up a great point on board press and pin presses. Make sure you are incorporating full ROM work as well to supplement those movements, if not you'll be pissed when you test to see where your bench press has gone. Not very far!