By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS

In relation to the previous performance blog post on variable resistance and the squat, the bench press movement is probably the second most popular exercise in the strength and conditioning field.  Optimal development of upper body strength is dependent on high force production using pushing movements, and many will argue that optimal strength levels will not be reached if consistent and progressive pushing movements are not involved in the strengthening program.

The bench press exercise has generally been seen as the ‘all-purpose’ strengthening tool to optimize upper body strength and power.  One method that often gets overlooked is using variable resistance applications to not only develop strength, but also to improve power.  Variable resistance involves some type of implement – cord, band or chain – attached to the frame of the rack and the bar that “varies” the load throughout the range of motion of the movement.  Typically, the variability occurs as a decrease in load during the descent phase, and an increased loading during the ascent.  This concept essentially increases the load as the mechanical advantage of the upper body improves.  In other words, as the exercise gets easier the load gets heavier!

Using variable loading doesn’t traditionally occur, mainly because of the technique learning curve that may take longer with younger lifters, and safety concerns.  But, once the technique is sufficient and traditional weight is assumed to be added, the coach should consider a variable application.  Light or moderate loads can be considered at 5-15% of bodyweight since a repetition maximum has not been established.  Some key advantages are outlined below.  The variable resistance mechanism in this post will be a strategically designed bench press cord with quantified resistances for an easy determination of load during the barbell bench press exercise.

Key Advantages of Variable Loading the Bench Press

• Safety – The heavier loading occurs at the mechanically optimal position, i.e., full arm extension, which allows for not only learning technique through the descent, but also provides a stimulating load throughout the ascent. The safety issue also comes into play by not having as much ‘dead weight’ on the bar, which is better in an emergency and for the spotter.
• Stability – Stabilizing the shoulder, especially under load, can be very difficult for younger athletes first learning the bench press movement, mainly due to the enhanced encouragement to increase the weight too quickly. By incorporating a variable load, they learn to control the load by utilizing/activating additional muscles, thereby improving overall strength and coordination in the chest, shoulders and arms.  Any balance and proprioception issues could be mitigated early by not over-loading the joint.
• Explosiveness at the end of the movement – With traditional weight-loaded bench press movements, a deceleration occurs at the end-point of the range of motion due to the body’s anticipation of the end of the movement. By adding variable resistance to the movement, young athletes learn to push through that end range of motion, thus enhancing power at extension.  This learning effect can carry over to specific sport movements.

Utilizing variable resistance loading can provide key benefits for not only strength development, but also for coordination, power and stability.  This change in stimulus will improve upper body strength throughout the full range of motion, and promote greater strength gains.

References:

Garcia-Lopez, D., Hernandez-Sanchez, S., Martin, E., Marin, P.J., Zarzosa, F. and Herrero, A.J.  Free-weight augmentation with elastic bands improves bench press kinematics in professional rugby players.  JSCR, 30(9): 2493-2499.

Hutchison, D.  (2015). Perform-X Training Systems Education Manual.

Joy, J.M., Lowery, R.P., de Souza, E.O., and Wilson, J.M.  Elastic Bands as a Component of Periodized Resistance Training.  JSCR, 30(8): 2100-2106.  2016.