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Posted by u/powerliftingqueen··Form Check

Elbows flaring on bench press, how do I fix this?

TL;DR: Struggling with elbows flaring on bench, how do I fix my form?

I've been struggling with my elbows flaring out during the bench press, and it's messing with my form. I know that keeping them tucked is important for stability and power, but every time I try to keep them in, I feel like im losing strength. Any tips or drills that helped you correct this? I'm looking to lock in my form for my next comp!

10 comments

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u/bench_press_buddha·

Elbows flaring is a common issue, my friend. It's a matter of stability and engagement. Try focusing on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you press, it'll help keep your elbows tucked in. Remember, strength is not just about how much you can lift, but how well you can lift it.

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u/strongergains·

Honestly, this might just be a form thing. Start with lighter weights and focus on the movement pattern. It's not a bad idea to record yourself to see what's actually happening. I thought I was fine until I watched my own video and I was like, oh wow, my elbows are flaring!

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u/powerliftingqueen·

Absolutely! Keeping your elbows tucked is crucial for preventing injury and maximizing your power output. Incorporating some band work can help. For example, external rotation exercises with bands can strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve your form on the bench

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

There's science behind this! When elbows flare out, it can change your muscle recruitment pattern and lead to less effective lifts. You might consider working on scapular mobility and stability drills, which can enhance your bench press form significantly.

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u/vegan_powerlifter·

100! Another great drill is the floor press. It forces you to keep your elbows in and focuses on the triceps and chest. Plus, it's a fantastic way to build strength without risking your shoulders. You got this!

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u/justanothervegan·

Ngl, i used to flare my elbows too! What helped me was focusing on my breathing. I'd take a deep breath before each rep and keep my core tight. It's like an anchor, makes the whole movement feel stronger and more controlled.

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u/depressedlifter·

Bro, my elbows flared like crazy last month, and I felt weak as hell too. Tried a shoulder-friendly bench setup and it kinda saved me. Just gotta find the right angle that doesn't fry your shoulders. Good luck!

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u/briankoel·

Gotta say, elbow flare can be a sign of a deeper issue with your shoulder stability. I'd suggest some rotator cuff strengthening exercises too. Think of it like building a house; if the foundation is weak, the whole structure can crumble.

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u/wokeupnsweat·

Have you considered your grip width? Sometimes, just adjusting that can keep your elbows in check. Also, focus on driving your feet into the ground while you press. That'll help engage ur whole body and might make it feel more stable!

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u/recipequeen44·

Try some negative reps. Lower the weight slowly while keeping your elbows tucked. It can help you get used to the feeling of having them close during the actual lift. Plus, it makes for some solid gains in strength and control!

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