Am I doing a proper bench press?

Question

I know I'm doing the form and breathing properly. I also know if you lift your butt up you're using your back and hips to assist the press, making it an improper bench.

I wrap my leg just around the edge of the bench to keep my butt flat on the bench. So is this doing the same thing, or is it ok? If it's the same as lifting your butt up, how do I train my body to lie flat during all presses?

Answer 1

Don't bring the bar all the way down. elbows at 90 is as far as you should go. If there are staff members at the gym, ask them how to fix the problem. They should know what they're doing.

Answer 2

just like the others said keep it at a 90 degree angle and work on not arching your back to do more weight, form and pace is more important than hitting your max, most people can do more by using other muscles (ie. back, hamstrings,etc.) when doing bench

Answer 3

just remember keep your shoulders curled back, chest broad, elbows 90 degrees, no less, don't touch your chest, lower back on the bench, don't push the weight up above your stomach either.  and yes, try to keep your feet on the floor.  by wrapping them around something, you could be throwing in variables like momentum/force coming from your quadriceps or knees.

Answer 4

yeh when your doing it dont touch the bar to your chest your elbows should break 90 digrees and thats it