• howrar@lemmy.ca
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    3 months ago

    I’m pretty sure that lifting your butt off the bench makes the lift a lot easier than keeping it in contact. I do it to unrack because it feels lighter and uses less energy. A lot (maybe most?) of powerlifters do it too, presumably for the same reason. It’s also common to see butts coming off the bench when people struggle with the lift.

    • John@lemmy.mlOP
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      3 months ago

      If you’re doing the whole rep/set with your butt up, then you’re effectively doing a semi-decline press, which is easier than a flat bench. That’s why most people do it. That’s why many people lift their butt when the rep gets hard, because you put your body in a way more advantageous position.

      • alliwantsoda@lemmy.world
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        3 months ago

        you’re effectively doing a semi-decline press, which is easier than a flat bench

        oh wow, I completely overlooked this. I have not done a decline bench press in more than 20 years (because my gym doesn’t have one).