The bench press is a key exercise for building upper body strength. It measures how much weight you can push with your upper body. But the way you do it depends on whether you follow the strongman or powerlifter style.
Different Styles: Strict vs. Flexible
Powerlifters focus on doing the bench press with perfect form. They keep their back flat, go through the full range of motion, and control the movement. This makes the lift safe and ensures fair competition.
Strongmen, however, are more relaxed with their form. They might use a wider grip, arch their back more, and use supportive gear to lift more weight. While they can lift a lot, their technique wouldn’t meet powerlifting competition rules.
Also Read: Levan Gives His Prediction On Ermes Vs Denis Match
Training Goals: Strength vs. Perfection
Strongmen train to lift the most weight possible, no matter the form. They do many exercises to build overall upper body strength and stability for strongman competitions.
Powerlifters aim to lift as much as they can with strict form. Their training includes different bench press variations and exercises to strengthen the muscles used in the lift. They perfect their technique to meet competition standards.
Example: Levan vs. Brian
A good example is powerlifter Levan Saginashvili and strongman Brian Shaw. Levan can bench press more weight than Brian because he trains with strict form. Brian focuses on overall strength for strongman events, where the form isn’t as strict.
Also Read: Why Devon Lost to Levan So Badly?
Choosing Your Style
Which method is better? It depends on your goals.
- If you’re competing in powerlifting, strict form is crucial.
- If you want to build general upper body strength and lift more weight, you might mix both styles.
- If you’re a beginner, starting with the powerlifting form can help you learn proper technique.
Conclusion
The debate between strongman and powerlifter styles shows the bench press’s versatility. Whether you focus on form or maximum weight, it’s a great exercise for strength training. Choose the approach that fits your goals, challenge yourself, and keep learning from both styles.