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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: friedchickendinner on April 28, 2020, 08:12:52 AM

Title: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: friedchickendinner on April 28, 2020, 08:12:52 AM
Hello my fellow bodybuilding Getbiggers

Since I do not see an end to this Chinavirus situation I am putting a home gym together (so I can say that Yes, I even lift!)

However, I need your advice - should I go for a flat bench or an incline bench? Will use with dumbbells.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: bigkid on April 28, 2020, 08:19:31 AM
I bought this: https://powerblock.com/product-category/accessories/benches/

The adjustable one.  You can add a dip bar and pullup bar to it.  It's a pretty nice bench.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: harmankardon1 on April 28, 2020, 08:40:43 AM
I disagree.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qninUnshL.jpg)
Get a barbell, a safety cage, and do what this book says.

DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE ON THIS FORUM OR ANY OTHER FORUM. IF THEY ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT NOVICE LINEAR PROGRESSION THEY KNOW NOT OF WHAT THEY ARE SPEAKING.

This guy in pic has fat knees and is leant over too far.....
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: IroNat on April 28, 2020, 08:52:23 AM
An adjustable bench.  If you can find one that also adjusts to a decline that's a plus.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: IroNat on April 28, 2020, 08:58:02 AM
Why would you tell a guy who can't bench press 135 lbs he needs to do declines?? He needs a linear progression on flat bench, standing press, squats and deadlifts until further notice. End of story.

Now that I thought about it, you really are a genius.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: friedchickendinner on April 28, 2020, 09:01:27 AM
I read it as rippedtoes

I'm afraid I will hurt myself if I follow his advice
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: IroNat on April 28, 2020, 09:05:01 AM
Mark Rippetoe is the Genius. Not me.

He's a fat shit.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: friedchickendinner on April 28, 2020, 09:36:49 AM
The incline enables more exercises

But I am not very happy about the gap between seat and the rest !

Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Board_SHERIF on April 28, 2020, 09:46:59 AM
Hello my fellow bodybuilding Getbiggers

Since I do not see an end to this Chinavirus situation I am putting a home gym together (so I can say that Yes, I even lift!)

However, I need your advice - should I go for a flat bench or an incline bench? Will use with dumbbells.

you sound like that Fat Boring RatherBeFat bloke, probably you are him
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: LurkerNoMore on April 28, 2020, 09:51:06 AM
Get a flat one.  you can adjust it to an angle by sticking a cement block or brick under one end.  You get incline or decline angle depending on which way you are facing
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Humble Narcissist on April 28, 2020, 10:10:48 AM
Mark Rippetoe is the Genius. Not me.
Rippetoe is a fatass whose advice will mess you up.  Why would anyone choose powerlifting over bodybuilding?  Powerlifters are just failed bodybuilders with no discipline for dieting.

To answer the question in the thread:  get an adjustable bench.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: French on April 28, 2020, 10:53:37 AM
the best BB expert : Gundill, Delavier
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Griffith on April 28, 2020, 11:09:23 AM
As many have said:

Get an adjustable bench.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Hypertrophy on April 28, 2020, 11:14:58 AM
Hello my fellow bodybuilding Getbiggers

Since I do not see an end to this Chinavirus situation I am putting a home gym together (so I can say that Yes, I even lift!)

However, I need your advice - should I go for a flat bench or an incline bench? Will use with dumbbells.

Agreed with others here. Get an adjustable bench. You'll get a far better chest from using a 15 degree or so incline. Then add in all the other features of an adjustable bench for doing incline curls, military presses with back supported, etc.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Hypertrophy on April 28, 2020, 11:17:18 AM
He's the creator of THE most effective strength programming system of all time. Maybe you just hate squatting and don't want to hear it....

Oh bullshit. The 5 x 5 and 5x3 system was around since the 40's. Bill Starr popularized it widely.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Straw Man on April 28, 2020, 11:17:38 AM
I'm on the waiting list for this one
it has a lot of great attachments as well
https://www.ironmaster.com/products/super-bench-pro/

I managed to get some of their dumbbell handles a few weeks ago.
https://www.ironmaster.com/products/quick-lock-adjustable-dumbbell-handle-set/
You don't need to use their plates and in fact I prefer standard plates because I can use larger plates (like 12.5 lbs) and a heavy dumbell is not so cumbersome as it is with a bunch of small plates

I started buying weights and equipment the day after they closed my gym and now I have a pretty decent set up in my garage
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Straw Man on April 28, 2020, 11:20:22 AM
Oh bullshit. The 5 x 5 and 5x3 system was around since the 40's. Bill Starr popularized it widely.

I prefer 4x6 and I'm pretty sure I invented that
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Hypertrophy on April 28, 2020, 11:24:53 AM
I prefer 4x6 and I'm pretty sure I invented that

LOL - you probably did :)
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Humble Narcissist on April 28, 2020, 11:31:42 AM
I prefer 4x6 and I'm pretty sure I invented that
Joe Weider invented all systems, exercises, set and rep ranges.  He also invented sex, fire and the wheel as well.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Darren Avey on April 28, 2020, 11:33:31 AM
Incline,  flat is a very overrated exercise that will in the long run do more harm than good
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: funk51 on April 28, 2020, 11:37:45 AM
this
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: funk51 on April 28, 2020, 11:39:07 AM
this
             it can be expanded.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: funk51 on April 28, 2020, 11:40:12 AM
&t=74s
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: funk51 on April 28, 2020, 11:41:07 AM
&t=74s
         of it's good enough for jay it's good enough for you. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: funk51 on April 28, 2020, 11:42:32 AM
lee likes it too.           
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Griffith on April 28, 2020, 01:26:35 PM
this

I would prefer a regular barbell as that gives the option of close-grip and wide-grip and also free-range of motion.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: friedchickendinner on April 28, 2020, 01:51:44 PM
I kinda like that machine type bench for safety reasons and convinience but I would need to try it out first to make sure it fits me... doesnt strike me as a will fit all type of thing
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: JDG on April 28, 2020, 02:16:07 PM
If you can only pick a fixed incline or a fixed flat, I would pick the fixed flat and turn it into an incline by putting wood or bricks underneath it. You only need a low incline to hit the upper chest in my experience.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: oldtimer1 on April 28, 2020, 05:10:44 PM
Do a bench and inclines for decades. Then at 45 -50 your shoulders and pec tie in will be toast and you will have shot shoulders that are good for nothing. Few escape this  so don't listen to the few that escaped this plague of bodybuilding.  Buy a decline bench.  If you look at how the fibers run in the chest this is the way to hit it. Also it takes the front delt out of the equation for guys that say just uses dips, it's the same thing.  Dorian Yates on youtube sings the praises of the decline press. With a barbell you need a spotter or face death. With dumbbells you can always dump them if you're stuck. I own this one for home training. It isn't the best but for the money it's good enough and a good value. https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-DF-2-Decline-Bench/dp/B001TJ7GL2
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: IroNat on April 28, 2020, 05:44:46 PM
Declines involve the anterior delts too.

Any kind of pressing does.

Where you lower the weight to determines the stress on the shoulder joint.

On declines with a barbell most people lower the weight to the lower chest which is less range of motion and less stress.

Typical bodybuilding bench press is done with elbows wide which is stressful to the shoulders so you should use lighter weights/higher reps.

Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: oldtimer1 on April 28, 2020, 05:57:37 PM
I completely disagree. From a kinesiology physiology motion of the humerus bone it involves a lot less front delt use compared to flat or incline. You can feel the relief it gives to the  pec anterior delt tie in after a set. No comparison to the stress on the delt joint. It also involves a greater range of motion than a bench by far.  To prove my point take a tape measure and actually measure the range of motion.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: robcguns on April 28, 2020, 06:48:57 PM
Buy a flat bench and put plates under one end for incline or decline or just buy a bench that goes decline to shoulder press.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: I Sinoda I on April 28, 2020, 07:50:29 PM
Hello my fellow bodybuilding Getbiggers

Since I do not see an end to this Chinavirus situation I am putting a home gym together (so I can say that Yes, I even lift!)

However, I need your advice - should I go for a flat bench or an incline bench? Will use with dumbbells.
Titan Fitness is the best deal for your money.  Essentially Rogue Clones with free shipping.

Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Grape Ape on April 28, 2020, 08:39:31 PM
Titan is a crapshoot.

They have great customer service and will replace defective items quickly, but their welds are inconsistent.  I've had jhooks / bench / adjustable step all needing replacement due to crummy welds.

OP doesn't lift either, everyone who responded is a dink.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: friedchickendinner on April 29, 2020, 01:40:46 AM


OP doesn't lift either, everyone who responded is a dink.

That's why I'm getting a bench, duh.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Griffith on April 29, 2020, 02:53:18 AM
Do a bench and inclines for decades. Then at 45 -50 your shoulders and pec tie in will be toast and you will have shot shoulders that are good for nothing. Few escape this  so don't listen to the few that escaped this plague of bodybuilding.  Buy a decline bench.  If you look at how the fibers run in the chest this is the way to hit it. Also it takes the front delt out of the equation for guys that say just uses dips, it's the same thing.  Dorian Yates on youtube sings the praises of the decline press. With a barbell you need a spotter or face death. With dumbbells you can always dump them if you're stuck. I own this one for home training. It isn't the best but for the money it's good enough and a good value. https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-DF-2-Decline-Bench/dp/B001TJ7GL2

I bench more with powerlifting form anyway, elbows in, relatively closer grip, find this much easier on the shoulders. Also use body-weight dips for the lower chest.

However, if I still had access to a decline bench would still be using it, originally started using to help recover from a shoulder muscle injury and it did take a lot of stress off the shoulders. But the angle of the bench mustn't be too steep. And close-grip declines were excellent for triceps.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: nzgs on April 29, 2020, 02:56:13 AM
Rippetoe is a clown. His recommended squat form is atrocious and the "diet" in his book - gallons of processed supermarket milk - is only going to lead to massive fat gain. There are plenty of strength coaches with more credibility.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Griffith on April 29, 2020, 03:09:17 AM
Rippetoe is a clown. His recommended squat form is atrocious and the "diet" in his book - gallons of processed supermarket milk - is only going to lead to massive fat gain. There are plenty of strength coaches with more credibility.

What's wrong with his squat form? The back is never vertical in the squat anyway.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: friedchickendinner on April 29, 2020, 06:05:51 AM
I have heard that decline can be a dangerous exercise !
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: vascsurgeon on April 29, 2020, 06:43:31 AM
Hello my fellow bodybuilding Getbiggers

Since I do not see an end to this Chinavirus situation I am putting a home gym together (so I can say that Yes, I even lift!)

However, I need your advice - should I go for a flat bench or an incline bench? Will use with dumbbells.

Build a platform out of wood, 2 x 4 or similar, 6 inches high or so, maybe 2 x 3 feet. You can place it under one end of the bench, now you have incline and decline bench to go along with flat bench. Many other exercise can be incorporated into your routine with those added angles, even simple calf raises.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: IroNat on April 29, 2020, 06:52:14 AM
I have heard that decline can be a dangerous exercise !

You need a spotter if you use a barbell just like the bench press.  However you can use a power rack for safety with the bench press but not with declines.

With dumbbells just drop them if you get stuck.

Alternative to a decline bench is to do chest dips.

https://exrx.net/WeightExercises/PectoralSternal/BWChestDip
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Griffith on April 29, 2020, 07:16:03 AM
You need a spotter if you use a barbell just like the bench press.  However you can use a power rack for safety with the bench press but not with declines.

With dumbbells just drop them if you get stuck.

Alternative to a decline bench is to do chest dips.

https://exrx.net/WeightExercises/PectoralSternal/BWChestDip

Or don't put the collars on. At home I never put the collars on.

If a rep is failed then just tilt the bar to one side and the plates fall off and then the other.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: IroNat on April 29, 2020, 07:27:41 AM
Or don't put the collars on. At home I never put the collars on.

If a rep is failed then just tilt the bar to one side and the plates fall off and then the other.

Good point.

Not completely safe though but definitely a way to escape.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Hypertrophy on April 29, 2020, 12:02:12 PM
Cheapest way to do declines I'd say
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: I Sinoda I on April 29, 2020, 03:39:27 PM
Titan is a crapshoot.

They have great customer service and will replace defective items quickly, but their welds are inconsistent.  I've had jhooks / bench / adjustable step all needing replacement due to crummy welds.

OP doesn't lift either, everyone who responded is a dink.
I have got the Titan X-3 Cage.  One of the best purchases ever and its identical to Rogue.  I do agree on some of their items...I had an adjustable bench, one of their early versions and it just was never 100 percent right.  They have since corrected it.  Their attachments and unique bars are really a good deal.  I have a Viking Press from Titan and its probably the best Shoulder implement I have ever used.
Title: Re: Incline bench or flat bench for home gym
Post by: Grape Ape on April 29, 2020, 06:44:20 PM
I have got the Titan X-3 Cage.  One of the best purchases ever and its identical to Rogue.  I do agree on some of their items...I had an adjustable bench, one of their early versions and it just was never 100 percent right.  They have since corrected it.  Their attachments and unique bars are really a good deal.  I have a Viking Press from Titan and its probably the best Shoulder implement I have ever used.

Yeah, I have a half rack from them, and a heavy foam plyo box....those are excellent, especially for the $ compared to Rogue.