Grip - Bench press and standing press

Daniel Doiron · 12-07-2006, 05:54 AM

Currious to know your thoughts on wrapping the thumbs around the bar for the bench press and the standing shoulder press.

Mandatory?
Optional?
Subject to 'optional' if causing irritation till the problem / injury is resolved, then madatory?

I practice both and feel comfortable with both. I personnaly feel that the 'open' grip is more comfortable, but my strength is fairly similar if not identical for both.

Any thoughts?

Brian Reckdenwald · 12-07-2006, 07:03 AM

I have reservations about benching with an open grip because I always feel like I am going to drop the bar on my face. Not that it would ever really happen, I just like the security of my thumb. I don't really feel that it has any effect on the lift whatsoever, does anyone feel differently?

Joe Marsh · 12-07-2006, 07:41 AM

In all my training, I have never advocated the open grip for safety reasons.

Mike ODonnell · 12-07-2006, 08:37 AM

Mandatory...unless you want a heavy BB falling on you. Plus get the bar under your bottom palm and arm (aligned with the bone)...so max force transfer from your shoulders, chest, arms can be applied most efficiently...don't let it slide back in your hand (open grip can make this happen), you will lose power....and your wrists may not be happy.

Jamaal Dixon · 12-07-2006, 10:29 AM

well I would say depends on what you are use to, I've used open grip so long its 2nd nature to me, ( from Powerlifting) but if you are starting out i would say closed

Ro Bostick · 12-07-2006, 10:57 AM

aside from being dangerous, a thumbless grip puts you in a weaker postion to complete the lift. as far as the bench press goes, lining the bar up across from the bottom of your palm with your thumb underneath and squeezing tight produces much greater force and stability than you can achieve with the thumb over the bar and the wrists pushed back.

Matthew Nielsen · 12-07-2006, 10:58 AM

Open grip in powerlifting?

Lynne Pitts · 12-07-2006, 03:22 PM

Open grip in powerlifting? You bet. I never use anything but, in competition or out, and I've benched double bodyweight. I dispute that a closed grip is stronger (or safer). I get better alignment of the weight directly over my forearm bones, with less shoulder torque, with an open grip. And frankly, I doubt my measly thumb would stop 225 if it wanted to roll. Much less the bigger weights weight being managed by bigger people.

Daniel Doiron · 12-08-2006, 06:39 AM

I did'nt konw an open grip was used in powerlifting! but I am with Lynne Pitts...I feel I am sufficiently comfortable with the open grip to use it regularly. My wrists use to 'hurt' during Thrusters since I've tried heavy reps, so I switch to open grip and GONE!
I also feel there is less torque on the shoulder because the open grip allows a closer position for the upper arm (elbows in a little).

Anthony Bainbridge · 12-08-2006, 07:35 AM

There are big benchers on both sides of the fence, so in the end it's your judgment call.

But most feds ban an open (suicide) grip.

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12-07-2006, 05:54 AM	#1
Daniel Doiron Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Moncton NB Posts: 70	Currious to know your thoughts on wrapping the thumbs around the bar for the bench press and the standing shoulder press. Mandatory? Optional? Subject to 'optional' if causing irritation till the problem / injury is resolved, then madatory? I practice both and feel comfortable with both. I personnaly feel that the 'open' grip is more comfortable, but my strength is fairly similar if not identical for both. Any thoughts?

12-07-2006, 07:03 AM	#2
Brian Reckdenwald Member Profile: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: hoboken nj Posts: 517	I have reservations about benching with an open grip because I always feel like I am going to drop the bar on my face. Not that it would ever really happen, I just like the security of my thumb. I don't really feel that it has any effect on the lift whatsoever, does anyone feel differently?

12-07-2006, 07:41 AM	#3
Joe Marsh Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Las Vegas Nevada Posts: 433	In all my training, I have never advocated the open grip for safety reasons.

12-07-2006, 08:37 AM	#4
Mike ODonnell Member Profile: Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,566	Mandatory...unless you want a heavy BB falling on you. Plus get the bar under your bottom palm and arm (aligned with the bone)...so max force transfer from your shoulders, chest, arms can be applied most efficiently...don't let it slide back in your hand (open grip can make this happen), you will lose power....and your wrists may not be happy.

12-07-2006, 10:29 AM	#5
Jamaal Dixon Member Profile: Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alexandria VA Posts: 29	well I would say depends on what you are use to, I've used open grip so long its 2nd nature to me, ( from Powerlifting) but if you are starting out i would say closed

12-07-2006, 10:57 AM	#6
Ro Bostick Member Profile: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 54	aside from being dangerous, a thumbless grip puts you in a weaker postion to complete the lift. as far as the bench press goes, lining the bar up across from the bottom of your palm with your thumb underneath and squeezing tight produces much greater force and stability than you can achieve with the thumb over the bar and the wrists pushed back.

12-07-2006, 10:58 AM	#7
Matthew Nielsen Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Herndon VA Posts: 602	Open grip in powerlifting?

12-07-2006, 03:22 PM	#8
Lynne Pitts Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Madison WI Posts: 3,232	Open grip in powerlifting? You bet. I never use anything but, in competition or out, and I've benched double bodyweight. I dispute that a closed grip is stronger (or safer). I get better alignment of the weight directly over my forearm bones, with less shoulder torque, with an open grip. And frankly, I doubt my measly thumb would stop 225 if it wanted to roll. Much less the bigger weights weight being managed by bigger people.

12-08-2006, 06:39 AM	#9
Daniel Doiron Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Moncton NB Posts: 70	I did'nt konw an open grip was used in powerlifting! but I am with Lynne Pitts...I feel I am sufficiently comfortable with the open grip to use it regularly. My wrists use to 'hurt' during Thrusters since I've tried heavy reps, so I switch to open grip and GONE! I also feel there is less torque on the shoulder because the open grip allows a closer position for the upper arm (elbows in a little).

12-08-2006, 07:35 AM	#10
Anthony Bainbridge Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fredericton New Brunswick Posts: 3,886	There are big benchers on both sides of the fence, so in the end it's your judgment call. But most feds ban an open (suicide) grip.