Arching, Leg Drive, Ego Lifting — The Bench Press Problem

Arching helps leverage, but excess kills pec stimulus.

Leg drive is fine, not a full-body leg press.

Ego loads hide weak pecs and triceps balance.

Powerlifting bench isn’t bodybuilding bench, goals differ.

Massive arches shorten range, limit hypertrophy potential.

Control matters more than moving maximal weight sometimes.

Touch point consistency beats bouncing every heavy rep.

Leg drive should stabilize, not launch bar upward.

Chest growth needs stretch, not circus contortions.

Pause reps expose true pressing strength quickly.

Flat feet fine, excessive heel pop isn’t

Bench numbers inflate faster than actual chest development.

Train bench for muscles, not Instagram validation.

Dumbbells reveal flaws hidden by barbell momentum.

Slow eccentrics punish ego lifters brutally fast.

Proper setup enhances safety, not just weight lifted.

Less arch, more control equals better pec tension.