If you’re looking to improve your bench press, there’s no better way than consistent practice. To build strength and muscle, you must be consistently pushing your intensity over a long period of time with proper form and technique.

However, while consistency and practice are crucial, you can also incorporate a variety of equipment to enhance your performance. Below we will discuss a variety of equipment you can use to target your benching weak points providing you valuable support for your training.

So, let’s explore how adding the right equipment will help take your bench press to the next level.

Change Plates and Fractional Plates

Change Plates (aka fractional plates) allow you to gradually increase the weight of your bench press in smaller, more manageable increments. By increasing the weight in smaller loads, you can consistently challenge the muscles which helps to increase your strength steadily over time. This is especially helpful if you hit a plateau due to the next plates up being too heavy, so by adding change plates / fractional plates you can continue to progress safely.

Powerlifting Bench

The M3 Flat Powerlifting Bench is designed to provide you superior stability and support, as it allows you to firmly ground your feet due to the single front leg and find the best position for your body and lifting style. With a solid, non-slip base and heavy-duty construction this bench is ideal for bench pressing heavy loads.

J Cups

J cups are used to help support and hold the barbell in place on a squat rack or bench press station. They’re primarily used to help stabilise and secure your starting position which can help significantly. J cups will allow you to easily un-rack and rack the barbell as you can set them at a position that works for you, reducing the risk of injury. Due to the stability and reassurance this provides, using J cups can help to build strength more effectively over time.

Weightlifting Belt

Adding a Weightlifting Belt ultimately helps to provide added core stability and intra-abdominal pressure during the lift. Wearing a belt can help to protect the spine and maintain proper posture throughout the press, as it helps to better brace your core. When you have added stability and a better braced core, it allows you to generate more force and power, enabling you to lift heavier and progress in strength over time.

Palm Grips

These are a great way to help provide you with better control and grip on the barbell as it will reduce the risk of the bar slipping. Suede Palm Grips will promote a firmer and more confident press as well as preventing calluses and tears to the hands. Over time, you can expect better bar control, and greater force output which ultimately will lead to a stronger bench press.

Spotters

Using spotter bars is a great way to help you on your journey to a stronger bench press as they can provide reassurance and safety during a heavy weight set. Using spotter bars will enable you to push the intensity a little more compared to when lifting without. Knowing you have the security of the bars enables you to safely fail the lift, lowering the barbell onto the spotters instead of trying to re-rack on the J-cups.

Resistance Bands

Gym Bands can be a great tool for improving your bench press by adding variable resistance throughout the lift. The resistance helps to increase tension as you press the bar up and as a result the exercise becomes more challenging at the top where your chest muscles are typically stronger. This is going to help build strength and power in both the lower and upper portions of the press, which will enhance muscle activation, stability and lockout strength.

Wrist Straps

Straps are helpful for providing support and reducing strain on your wrists, especially during heavy lifts. With the added stabilisation of the wrists, it will enable you to have a better grip on the bar especially when the forearm muscle begins to fatigue. Using Wrist Straps will allow you to focus on working the chest and arm muscles rather than worrying about losing grip, which will lead to progression in strength for your bench press.

Consistent practice remains the most important factor in improving your bench press, but adding the right equipment can significantly enhance your performance. You now have plenty of options that will help to provide stability, support and precision to progress in your bench press.

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Tags: Exercise Type > Strength