For Men: The Benefits of Regular and Proper Bench Pressing
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2018/06/19
Healthy Living wrote on the health benefits of bench pressing. Think about the big guys and gals lifting the bar with so much weight that the metal bends from the sheer pull from gravity on the weights. It is impressive feats.
Humans evolved to have muscles for movement, defense and attack. Our ancestral environments permitted and necessitated more exercise in the outdoors. However, our lives were short and violent on average.
Now, less so, the modern world comes with the development of conveniences. The car, the train, the plane, fast food, video games, and the like, each helps and entertains us. In the process of helping and entertaining, these made us travel with our muscle less and sit and lie down more.
These modern comforts are good. However, they limit the range of the possible for us. These conveniences can make us less healthy over time. That means, we need to take it upon ourselves to become healthier through conscious activity, by conscientiously engaging in an activity.
The article stated, “While the exercise chiefly works to build upper-body strength, some of the benefits of bench pressing – which range from improved cardiovascular health to a reduced chance of developing common diseases – may come as a welcome surprise.”
The bench press is one such exercise with benefits to upper body strength and overall health. The main muscle exercised in this form of workout is the pectoralis major muscles of the chest. If this is done with some regularity, then the pectoralis major muscle set will grow.
They will become thicker, more toned, and robust in the definition. Bench presses can help with the deltoids and the triceps as well. They act as, apparently, synergists of the muscles that help some of the other muscles to be able to develop.
“Additionally, this exercise also works the biceps, which serve as dynamic stabilizers by countering the force of the press. Finally, the bench press engages the rhomboids, rotator cuff and serratus anterior as secondary muscles,” the article continued.
There appears to be benefit to the bone and joint health from these weight training exercises too. The weight training helps with the increase in muscle mass, a decrease in fat, the strengthening of the bones and the flexibility of the body to a degree.
It also helps with the bone density. It is important, especially for the people who are getting on in years then, too. Regular training can reduce osteoarthritis.
“The positive effects of bench presses don’t end with the muscles and bones. In addition to increasing overall endurance, resistance training exercises such as the bench press lead to a reduction of “bad” cholesterol and an increase in “good” cholesterol levels,” the article explained, “according to the American Council on Exercise. Regular weight training helps the body process sugar, leading to a reduced risk of diabetes.”
This path of exercise should come with some cautions including overdoing it. Take into account age, current fitness, diet, time of the day, pre-existing conditions, and so on, bench pressing can help with health, but needs to be considered among other factors too.
The article concluded, “Practicing proper form – including keeping your feet firmly planted, maintaining a straight back and keeping your shoulders and glutes flat on the bench at all times – helps prevent these injuries. Seek the guidance of a certified trainer to learn proper form before incorporating the bench press into your regimen.”
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