It's week two of my Smolov Jr bench cycle and things are ticking along nicely. Today was the final session of week two and I hit 10 sets for 3 reps at a weight only 8kg lighter than my previous 1RM bench. Suffice to say I am confident I will blow my 1RM away at the end of this cycle in two weeks.
Benching this frequently has got me thinking about the mechanics of the lift and I can't help reflect on what a huge role genetics plays in this sport. Have a look at our massive friend in the picture above. He has just about touched bottom given both the shortness of his arms and the huge barrel chest. If you remove the size of his chest he is effectively doing a quarter press the lucky bastard.
For an average guy like me my arms are probably a good 2 inches longer proportionately and my chest is about 8 inches lower!! So effectively I have to push my weight through an additional 8+ inches. Lets not forget he has approximately 900 pounds in this picture so it evens up somewhat!
Regardless this minor injury constraining my squat and dead-lift is at least going to reap rewards in a PB Bench.
Stay Strong
Thomo
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