The Most Common Bench Press Mistake You Don’t Even Realize You’re Making
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Let’s fix a bench press error that is all too common.
This particular error is relatively easy to fix, but unfortunately, it’s also easy to accidentally commit, and it’s extraordinarily easy to be unaware that you’re committing it in the first place.
Let’s identify the mistake and fix it fast.
The Mistake
The error is that of having a poor focal point or simply having no focal point at all when benching, which makes it difficult to hit a consistent and efficient bar path for each of your reps.
When benching - and really during any barbell lift - you want to stare at an immovable point. A focal point should help you establish balance and consistency, and something that moves does not help you accomplish this.
The Solution
With this in mind, don’t want to watch the bar since the bar is a moving object. Instead, pick a spot directly above you on the ceiling and stare at it at the start of rep, during the descent, during the ascent, and at lockout.
Before starting the descent, you can see the barbell in your peripheral vision - the bar starts there, and it’s your job to make sure that the bar finishes in that same spot in your periphery every single time.
Keep it simple. Keep it consistent.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better.
-Phil
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