Question on bench shirt

[TNIBBS]

Im looking for advice on using a bench shirt. I am training for my first bench competition at end of march and am getting concerned that I cant get the bar down to my chest yet. I have done 6 workouts with this shirt and it is getting easier, but have still only got it to one board. I had a decent raw bench of 405 prior to training for the meet, but had no arch or drive from legs prior to training with my current partners who have experience at competions. I use a Inzer Rage X. I have been improving on arch and tucking the elbows in as it comes down.......still not making it. I have gone up to 455 with shirt. Partner thinks I need to go heavier, any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Iceman1800]

if you have good spotters, load the weight up until you can touch. tuck the elbows!!!!!!!!!

 

[TNIBBS]

I will give it a try....thanks for advice

 

[anabolicfan]

405 raw if single ply should be about 500 to touch chest if fit right..

 

[Uluwatu]

You have to arch, tuck your elbows, and "pull" the weight down low to the top of your belly. If your shirt fits correctly you should be able to manipulate it so you can get a couple of different weights to touch. The more you pull the shirt down in the front the harder it is to get the weight to touch.

 

[TNIBBS]

I will try not pulling the shirt down so tight in the front.....and adding weight. At 1 and 2 boards I have good burst when pressing, just feels like my head is gonna explode when trying to get it that last inch or so. Glad I happened upon this site.....Great info!!

 

[anabolicfan]

take a leather belt off a leather carpenters tool belt thats 2.5 - 3 " wide. get shirt how you want use this in place of a lifting belt you will be able to arch better and blow stomach out better wich make it easier 2 touch....

 

[anabolicfan]

only need belt to keep shirt from moveing

 

[TNIBBS]

great suggestion....I noticed my arch is considerably smaller when shirted vs not. I bench again on Monday, and will give it a shot.

 

[anabolicfan]

great suggestion....I noticed my arch is considerably smaller when shirted vs not. I bench again on Monday, and will give it a shot.

u will have alot better arch push stomach out as you bring down.