USA Powerlifting of Minnesota

What is the bench press?

The bench press is the one universal lift that everyone knows about. Its the question that is asked first to gangue ones physical strength is 'what do you bench?' In movies and TV to gyms across the country this kind of question asked. In Powerlifting the bench press is used to test the athletes upper body strength. From the back muscles to the triceps and even the abs come into play when bench pressing.

The bench press is done with his or her back resting on the bench, the lifter takes the loaded bar at arm's length. The lifter lowers the bar to the chest. When the bar becomes motionless on the chest, the referee gives a press command. Then the referee will call 'Rack' and the lift is completed as the weight is retuned to the rack. Below are examples of how the bench press is done true to form

Jesse Canton shows with this 424 pound bench press how it requires the entire upperbody to complete the lift.

Brad Madvig opening attempt at the Arnold Sports Festival with a 429 opening attempt

Learn about the Squat and Deadlift