File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Dear /fit/,

I started going to the gym a few weeks ago. I have an interesting problem with the bench press.

I'm 5'7", 130lbs. Right now, I can only bench ~80lbs max. When I'm doing bench presses with the barbell or dumbbells, its not my chest that gets tired, or has trouble pushing. Its always my arms, between the shoulder and the elbow.

I thought if I just kept trying to push out the lower weight until I could get to a higher weight, it would work, but alas, nothing.

I'm wondering if maybe my posture is screwed up? I can do pullups, dips, pushups, etc, with no problems at all. Anyone have any ideas?
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Where are your hand placed when yu bench ? You might be targetting more your triceps then your pecs if your ding Close-Grip Bench Press (pic related)
>> Anonymous
Try widening your grip, that works your chest moar than your arms
>> Anonymous
>>158739
*sorry for the retarded english, i didn't spell check
>> Anonymous
if you just started out, your muscles are not balanced.
Your arms may be weaker than your chest.
Just do your routine and add weight when you really can do it.
Give it some time.
>> Anonymous
>>158739
I usually have my arms extending at a 90 degree angle, as seen in the thread picture.

Should I go past that?
>> Anonymous
Do you pull your shoulderblades together before pressing?
>> Anonymous
>>158743

Alright, that sounds good. Should I go 5-10 lbs lower and go for more reps while it balances out, or should I just do the max at 1-3 reps?
>> Anonymous
>>158745
Yes
>> Anonymous
>>158744
no, the pic is fine.
Rapidsearch "starting strength" for tips on good form.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>158746
Stronglifts or SS recommend a 5x5 routine.
5 reps with 5 sets and a weight that you can barely finish.
5x5 is a good compromise between strength and endurance.
>> Anonymous
heres some tips

squeeze your damn shoulder blades tight together, but dont shrug them up.

hold the bar with your fingers on those little rings somewhere. i like ringer finger for my frame.

dont flare your elbows, keep your feet planted, bar should touch your nipple/lower chest line
>> Anonymous
bench is heavy on the triceps too. Maybe you have shitty triceps.
>> Anonymous
>I'm 5'7", 130lbs. Right now, I can only bench ~80lbs max

Ah ah
I started at similar weights

Don't worry you'll make huge gains within the 3 first months
>> Anonymous
>>158803

Sounds like it. Do some wide dips (handles rolled to the outside). This will strengthen your tris and chest and you'll add big pounds to your bench.
>> Anonymous
hold the bar wider! the closer you get to the center the more you work your arms instead of your chest
>> Anonymous
As others have said, widen grip. You can also pull your arms closer to your rib cage to place more focus on your pecs. However that removes stress from your deltoids, so that might not be necessary for you.