| Typically, the fitness enthusiast looking for an increase | | | | relation to each other, and to your torso. If you have |
| in strength will gravitate towards building his chest. | | | | any problems with your shoulders, this can exacerbate |
| Understandable, as this is the core of the body, and | | | | them. |
| the torso is the base from which all strength flow. | | | | - Over time, as you gain strength, the amount of |
| Usually, he or she will start with the bench press. After | | | | weight you lift can outstrip the ability of your |
| all, the most common question heard in the gym is | | | | connective tissue to adapt. It is a shame, but muscle |
| "How much do you bench?" The bench press is the | | | | can change more quickly than tendons or ligaments. |
| gold standard for strength measurement, especially | | | | This aspect of the exercise makes a fortune for |
| among those who have only recently started working | | | | surgeons working on rotator cuffs. |
| out. But is it really best way to build a great chest? | | | | - Safety. Every year, a few more guys die under the |
| I don't think so. The standard barbell bench press has a | | | | bar. If you don't have a power rack or similar setup, |
| number of problems that can disqualify it as the main | | | | you are left with two choices: either reduce the |
| chest exercise in your routine: | | | | amount of weight you are lifting, or find a dependable |
| - Ego. Young men especially get hung up on how | | | | workout partner. |
| much they can bench. It can be difficult to leave this | | | | There are plenty of other chest exercises we can all |
| behind, and try to lift only what you can with good | | | | be doing that give as good or better results. Given the |
| form. | | | | above issues with the basic bench it may not be the |
| - The barbell bench press has intrinsic problems for | | | | best choice. |
| some people. Your arms are locked into position with | | | | |