It’s been a debate for years: should a lifter bench press in a straight line or with a curved path? Today’s bench shirts make this argument even more complicated by allowing lifters to touch lower and press more quickly. What’s the answer?
The biggest argument in favor of straight-line bar path goes like this: the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. If you aren’t moving in a straight path, you’re moving farther and wasting energy. Why travel in a curve when you can go directly to your destination?
There’s more to it than simple geometry, though. In this video, Darden tells you why a direct route from Point A to Point B may not be the best option for lifters.
Biceps 10: Bench Press Curve or Straight Line from Clint Darden on Vimeo.