Chains on your Bench Press/Squats?

[MrPump]

As I was watching the latest ND video on UND.com, I noticed that the players had chains hooked onto their barbells for both the flat bench and squats.

Anyone know what, if any, affect this may have? Just wondering why they are doing it. The chains are thick.

Just courious.....

 

[WOC1776]

As I was watching the latest ND video on UND.com, I noticed that the players had chains hooked onto their barbells for both the flat bench and squats.

Anyone know what, if any, affect this may have? Just wondering why they are doing it. The chains are thick.

Just courious.....

The chains drag at the bottom of the lift, and are off the ground at the top of the lift, so you're lifting more weight at the top.

It helps with explosion and locking out.

 

[JeffD]

It's the principle of accomodating resistance. It builds speed and explosive power out of the bottom of the lift. Also used for geared lifters, it mimics the action of a squat suit and bench shirt where it's lighter at the bottom, and heavier at the top of the lift allowing you to overload your lockout.

That's the quick version of decades of people training with them, haha. More info @ elitefts.com in the articles section if you want to know more.

 

[Little Bear]

To add to what the other guys said, it also has the unique effect of never falling the same way when the bar is lowered. So it's like a different lift every single time. It's one of the best dynamic ways to build your bench up.

 

[harleyc]

Could not have said it better brother!!!!

The chains drag at the bottom of the lift, and are off the ground at the top of the lift, so you're lifting more weight at the top.

It helps with explosion and locking out.

 

[tenny]

chains do dick for the a bodybuilder
worthless
but........it looks cool for photo shoot

 

[Little Bear]

That's true. It's definitely more of a powerlifting movement, but of course it couldn't hurt as a dynamic exercise in the off season