This guy seems to preach the opposite of what I been told about benching?

[Durk]

Anything to this, or is he a quack?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5MikmvUMQs&feature=related

Looks a little hard on the neck and shoulders.

[Durk]

I am just talking about his bench form in the first demonstration.

[steve_d]

that bar looks about the same thickness as all the bars in my gym... Lose a good 20-30 pounds off my bench, and even more on things like deadlift.

Anyway, I am not really sure what I believe about what he's saying. I think there is some truth to it though, because I am battling an injury in my traps/delts right now, and benching the way he says actually allows me to get under the bar, whereas doing it the 'traditional' way, I can't even push a plate without screaming in pain. So perhaps a little bit of truth to the lift, but I think for big numbers, you won't want to be benching with this technique. Although, when I watch him and the other guy do the lift, it doesn't look all that different than a good technique bench - maybe he's just explaining it weird.

[Durk]

What I get from it in his words, is tucking your shoulders in is not as mechanically efficient or safe, as tucking your shoulders up in a way that puts all the strain on your traps.

[Praetorian]

Hes just saying it differently than Dave Tate has described it. It is not a great illustration because the guy benching is a novice and its missing so many other cues. Basically you want to be up on your traps with back arched and driving with the legs. This position will automatically push your traps up and back and as long as you tuck the elbows and drop the bar correctly the shoulder will not be in a compromised position.
P