good news!!

Ok I was just wandering.  I never competed in a federation or anything I just did district and state lifts in high school and the rules were your back couldnt come off the bench.  Just curious, learn something new everyday.

Yeah, high school meets are different, our meet the depth on squat and uneven lockout rules and everything r much more leniant.

is it kind of cheating to arch your back? im thinking of trying this but i dont want to arch and then find out people think its cheating. just like using shirts

age- 16
height- 6'0
weight-220
bench-260
deadlift-315x7
%bf- bulking so prolly alot
arms- 17
chest- 48 inches
shoulders- 53 inches
neck- 16.5

its not cheating...neither is using a bench shirt. When ur in competetition u have to use it. People ur lifting with in the weight room should care less.
 
BUt no, I or nobody else I have ever talked to thinks taht arching ur back is cehating.

but i mean whats the sole purpose of arching, is it safer? or does it just make r chest a little higher, im tryin to arch my back now but i cant quite get the form down yet. as for shirts, well i can only dream of puttin up 1000+,  i dont really have another opinion on them.

age- 16
height- 6'0
weight-220
bench-260
deadlift-315x7
%bf- bulking so prolly alot
arms- 17
chest- 48 inches
shoulders- 53 inches
neck- 16.5

well, the common purpose for an arch it lessen the distance the bar has to travel, and to involve the lats. But, if you are a bodybuilder, dont arch just do the same powerlifter form without an arch as it will work you better.
 
But touching low almost on ur sternum helps immensley...i would always reccomend that.

ORIGINAL: ironraider52

I finally figurd out how to bench without sing my shoulders hardcore. I figured out that arching my back helps to keep my elbows in.

 
Yep... when your elbows are flared out, you are rotating your shoulder in.  That can cause problems if you're prone to bicipital tendonitis like I am.  I haven't benched in about 2 months because of it and seeing the sports chiro.  I've been experimenting with different grips on the machines and think I have found my niche.  I can space my hands wide, but I have to keep my elbows down and in.  In another week or so I'll try a real light bench press.

Ben...
 
You have to also pull your legs in as close to your butt as you can.  All of this helps in the lift. 

that just depends on the lifter, I personally like them wider out so I can drive with my hips/legs.