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Title: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 20, 2026, 07:31:35 AM
I've been analyzing this for a long time and still can't reach a clear conclusion. On the one hand, we have lifters with perfect, slow lowering technique, like Scot Medelson, who tore his pecs while attempting 650 lbs RAW, and on the other, we have bench pressers like Joseph Tumbarello (check out his new Instagram video 600 X 7 RAW), who has had terrible technique for years, throwing and bouncing over 700 lbs from his chest without injury. Julius Maddox has benched over 700 lbs raw more times than any other person and has also never torn his pecs. I used to think that a close grip was a guarantee against pec tears, until about two years ago, a powerlifting friend of mine tore his pecs while attempting a 550 lbs RAW close grip bench press! Interestingly, he had previously only benched with a wide grip and hadn't injured his pecs at the time, but he decided to switch to a close grip due to shoulder pain. Of course, the shoulder pain subsided, and he slowly built up his close grip strength until something he never expected happened during a competition! There are also excellent Japanese bench pressers, such as Daiki Kodama, who only bench press with their elbows out as wide as possible and never suffer shoulder injuries, let alone pec tears, and their careers last for years. What are your thoughts on this?
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: NaturalWonder83 on January 20, 2026, 07:40:50 AM
I've been analyzing this for a long time and still can't reach a clear conclusion. On the one hand, we have lifters with perfect, slow lowering technique, like Scot Medelson, who tore his pecs while attempting 650 lbs RAW, and on the other, we have bench pressers like Joseph Tumbarello (check out his new Instagram video 600 X 7 RAW), who has had terrible technique for years, throwing and bouncing over 700 lbs from his chest without injury. Julius Maddox has benched over 700 lbs raw more times than any other person and has also never torn his pecs. I used to think that a close grip was a guarantee against pec tears, until about two years ago, a powerlifting friend of mine tore his pecs while attempting a 550 lbs RAW close grip bench press! Interestingly, he had previously only benched with a wide grip and hadn't injured his pecs at the time, but he decided to switch to a close grip due to shoulder pain. Of course, the shoulder pain subsided, and he slowly built up his close grip strength until something he never expected happened during a competition! There are also excellent Japanese bench pressers, such as Daiki Kodama, who only bench press with their elbows out as wide as possible and never suffer shoulder injuries, let alone pec tears, and their careers last for years. What are your thoughts on this?

I feel it's consistent wear and tear from compensation patterns that accumulates over a long period of time and eventually becomes too much for the body to handle. Or just wear and tear with good mechanics, but the body just can't handle it anymore. This may cause the injury. At the same time, you could have someone who also compensates with a faulty movement pattern their whole career and never gets injured due to their elite genetics.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Donny on January 20, 2026, 07:53:59 AM
Parallel Bar Dips .. Incline Bench press (medium grip elbows tucked)
no need for wide grip flat presses
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: SweetDaddySiki on January 20, 2026, 08:14:10 AM
Parallel Bar Dips .. Incline Bench press (medium grip elbows tucked)
no need for wide grip flat presses
True! Back in the 90's this guy beside me was doing wide flat presses and tore his pec. What I remember most was how it bruised so quickly. Sounded like a wet rag being torn.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: mops on January 20, 2026, 08:25:30 AM
The longer the forearm, the further your humerus needs to drop - pec will get stretched more

Same idea with chest thickness; a thicker ribcage limits your range of motion, so the pec doesn’t stretch as much.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 20, 2026, 08:40:32 AM
The longer the forearm, the further your humerus needs to drop - pec will get stretched more

Same idea with chest thickness; a thicker ribcage limits your range of motion, so the pec doesn’t stretch as much.
So it would follow that a wide grip is safer than a narrow one because the humerus will be less stretched?
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: mops on January 20, 2026, 09:22:26 AM
So it would follow that a wide grip is safer than a narrow one because the humerus will be less stretched?

Solely depends on your structure. Large shoulders with long arms and a flat ribcage: not a good plan.

There are many factors (as you would expect)

- Arm angle in the bench press
- The degree of scapular retraction
- Shoulder width (and a flat ribcage): The wider the clavicles, the harder it is to keep the chest expanded. As the weight gets heavier, the chest tends to flatten out more, which increases the bar path. Ribcage and shoulder stability is also compromised because it’s harder to keep the shoulder blades properly retracted. This also leads to reduced pec activation.
- Narrow bench pads AND clavicle length: the wider your shoulders, the more they extend beyond the sides of the bench = bigger stretch at the bottom of the press.
- Anecdotal but interesting point : sudden joint instability (less joint congruence) due to hormonal shifts affecting relaxin. Relaxin is a peptide hormone that’s part of the IGF family. For a long time, doctors mostly studied it in women because it was thought to be a “female hormone."
But newer research shows that male athletes produce about the same amount of relaxin as female athletes do.
Relaxin receptors are found in ligaments in both men and women. How responsive these ligaments are to relaxin depends on estrogen. (btw, a sudden spike in estrogen could explain why some athletes temporarily experience a unexplained drop in strength due looser joints).

Imo, a good quick test to figure out which form is best suited for you is the floor press

Simple example: Here's Centopani doing floor presses with Poundstone. Notice the anatomical differences between them.

(https://i.postimg.cc/ydzd4BDW/Screenshot-20260120-175956.jpg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/d35tyy42/Screenshot-20260120-180030.jpg)


start at 6:00

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: unwieldy on January 20, 2026, 09:41:18 AM
I never tore any muscles luckily. I think exercise selection and being generally careful goes a long way, but ultimately I think one day every muscle is destined to tear. Quitting while you are ahead is key
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Irongrip400 on January 20, 2026, 10:09:47 AM
Genetics/luck of the draw.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on January 20, 2026, 10:31:29 AM
I've been analyzing this for a long time and still can't reach a clear conclusion. On the one hand, we have lifters with perfect, slow lowering technique, like Scot Medelson, who tore his pecs while attempting 650 lbs RAW, and on the other, we have bench pressers like Joseph Tumbarello (check out his new Instagram video 600 X 7 RAW), who has had terrible technique for years, throwing and bouncing over 700 lbs from his chest without injury. Julius Maddox has benched over 700 lbs raw more times than any other person and has also never torn his pecs. I used to think that a close grip was a guarantee against pec tears, until about two years ago, a powerlifting friend of mine tore his pecs while attempting a 550 lbs RAW close grip bench press! Interestingly, he had previously only benched with a wide grip and hadn't injured his pecs at the time, but he decided to switch to a close grip due to shoulder pain. Of course, the shoulder pain subsided, and he slowly built up his close grip strength until something he never expected happened during a competition! There are also excellent Japanese bench pressers, such as Daiki Kodama, who only bench press with their elbows out as wide as possible and never suffer shoulder injuries, let alone pec tears, and their careers last for years. What are your thoughts on this?


Just a wild guess but perhaps benching 550 lbs (249 kg) or even more might have something to do with muscles tearing off    ;D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on January 20, 2026, 11:23:04 AM
my pecs dont even engage for 90% of a bench press, the tension drops off about 3 inches off my chest

Waste of time for me.. its all front delts and triceps
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Griffith on January 20, 2026, 11:39:32 AM
my pecs dont even engage for 90% of a bench press, the tension drops off about 3 inches off my chest

Waste of time for me.. its all front delts and triceps

You use dumbbell presses instead?
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on January 20, 2026, 11:54:39 AM
You use dumbbell presses instead?
no, dips and the odd standing cables

I havent picked a dumbell up in a gym for around 4 years maybe longer
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Griffith on January 20, 2026, 11:57:27 AM
no, dips and the odd standing cables

I havent picked a dumbell up in a gym for around 4 years maybe longer

Do you find dip bars can give relatively complete development?

I do have dip bars, would be interesting to see the results if I stopped bench pressing and focused on them for a while, but always thought the upper pec area might get worked less.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 20, 2026, 12:03:45 PM
my pecs dont even engage for 90% of a bench press, the tension drops off about 3 inches off my chest

Waste of time for me.. its all front delts and triceps
I'm only talking about the bench press from a powerlifting perspective, so I gave examples of different bench pressers with different pressing techniques. It's true what you say, that the front deltoids and triceps do most of the work, but for some reason, it's the pectorals that tear in this exercise.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: mops on January 20, 2026, 04:03:24 PM
I'm only talking about the bench press from a powerlifting perspective, so I gave examples of different bench pressers with different pressing techniques. It's true what you say, that the front deltoids and triceps do most of the work, but for some reason, it's the pectorals that tear in this exercise.

My interpretation is that in a powerlifting bench setup, the scapulas are retracted, depressed and actively pinned to the bench via thoracic extension (and lat tension obviously), so with the same bar path, the strain is shifted almost entirely onto the pecs compared to a traditional barbell bench, where the shoulder blades slide along the ribcage as the weight moves.

This setup also places the pec origin lower and more posterior (more stretch)

Another crucial detail: during a bench, powerlifters externally rotate their humeruses, which rolls the pecs outward (retarded term, I know) and increases stretch.

(https://i.postimg.cc/RVMG4GGW/Screenshot-20260121-013621.jpg)


Look at the elbows

(https://i.postimg.cc/SNctVJRc/TUj-APu.gif)



With all of this in mind, it’s not surprising that pec tears can occur during a powerlifting style bench press.

(https://i.postimg.cc/VvhgkPKy/undefined-Imgur.gif)
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on January 20, 2026, 04:11:22 PM
I'm only talking about the bench press from a powerlifting perspective, so I gave examples of different bench pressers with different pressing techniques. It's true what you say, that the front deltoids and triceps do most of the work, but for some reason, it's the pectorals that tear in this exercise.

Its because the pectorals are not designed to push away from the body, they are a downward pushing muscle, think climbing over an obstacle.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on January 20, 2026, 05:52:05 PM
Don't do heavy benches with the elbows flared while on steroids which dramatically increase the risk of tears. I tore both pecs in my early 20s pushing very heavy loads, increasing poundage by 100lbs in a few months and stupid things like that. My most serious tear occurred doing wide grip incline benches to the neck in the smith machine which I'd seen Ed Coan recommend somewhere IIRC. Very vulnerable position. As I recall I had about 280lbs on and was planning on 10-12 and on the 3rd it happened. Benching was crazy fun though and I didnt think it would happen so early in my lifting career. The real tragedy for me was that my surgery was delayed and the result was awful.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on January 21, 2026, 12:52:25 AM
Every guy I've seen tear a pec was on gear. Do natties get muscle tears?
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 21, 2026, 02:52:07 AM
Its because the pectorals are not designed to push away from the body, they are a downward pushing muscle, think climbing over an obstacle.
they are also used in a hugging type motion.......such as in db flyes.....the analogy "like hugging a tree" has often been used to describe the function of the pecs....hence I always included flyes when doing chest work.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: falco on January 21, 2026, 02:52:54 AM
Too much weight, too much volume, not enough rest between workouts.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 21, 2026, 03:01:01 AM
Too much weight, too much volume, not enough rest between workouts.
I agree.....going heavy too often,or attempting a max too often......in powerlifting you have to learn about cycling poundages.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 03:15:50 AM
My interpretation is that in a powerlifting bench setup, the scapulas are retracted, depressed and actively pinned to the bench via thoracic extension (and lat tension obviously), so with the same bar path, the strain is shifted almost entirely onto the pecs compared to a traditional barbell bench, where the shoulder blades slide along the ribcage as the weight moves.

This setup also places the pec origin lower and more posterior (more stretch)

Another crucial detail: during a bench, powerlifters externally rotate their humeruses, which rolls the pecs outward (retarded term, I know) and increases stretch.

(https://i.postimg.cc/RVMG4GGW/Screenshot-20260121-013621.jpg)


Look at the elbows

(https://i.postimg.cc/SNctVJRc/TUj-APu.gif)



With all of this in mind, it’s not surprising that pec tears can occur during a powerlifting style bench press.

(https://i.postimg.cc/VvhgkPKy/undefined-Imgur.gif)
Thanks for the explanation. Now that I think about it, I can't think of a single bench presser in the sub-200 lbs category who has torn a pectoral muscle, and it's not uncommon for them to bench press 500 lbs raw.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 03:19:44 AM
Don't do heavy benches with the elbows flared while on steroids which dramatically increase the risk of tears. I tore both pecs in my early 20s pushing very heavy loads, increasing poundage by 100lbs in a few months and stupid things like that. My most serious tear occurred doing wide grip incline benches to the neck in the smith machine which I'd seen Ed Coan recommend somewhere IIRC. Very vulnerable position. As I recall I had about 280lbs on and was planning on 10-12 and on the 3rd it happened. Benching was crazy fun though and I didnt think it would happen so early in my lifting career. The real tragedy for me was that my surgery was delayed and the result was awful.
I'm surprised Ed Coan recommended such a dangerous exercise. From your description, it looks exactly like how Markus Ruhl performed this exercise.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 03:23:23 AM
Every guy I've seen tear a pec was on gear. Do natties get muscle tears?
My friend's training partner tore his pectoral muscle while natty, but because of his stupidity - he tried to break his personal best 1RM during every chest workout.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 03:27:39 AM
Too much weight, too much volume, not enough rest between workouts.
It's true. People often say that muscle recovery only takes 48-72 hours, so you can confidently train every body part intensely two or three times a week, but tendons need much longer to recover than muscles.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Griffith on January 21, 2026, 03:37:20 AM
It's true. People often say that muscle recovery only takes 48-72 hours, so you can confidently train every body part intensely two or three times a week, but tendons need much longer to recover than muscles.

Once a week works best for me if training heavier.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 03:44:34 AM
Once a week works best for me if training heavier.
Same thing with me.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on January 21, 2026, 07:14:09 AM
Once a week works best for me if training heavier.
Same thing with me.

Experiences may vary but I doubt most make faster progress by training much more frequently anyway. One strange thing with steroids is that they dont seem to make you be able to lift more frequently, in every instance Ive seen when guys start steroids they instinctively cut their volume plus frequency. Naturals seem to tolerate more lifting. I dont know if its neural or what. Just what Ive seen, if someone sees guys start training more when hopping on gear let me know 8) When I was at my biggest and strongest I lifted once a week doing about 5 working sets total for the whole body. I almost couldnt say lifted at all LOL.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on January 21, 2026, 07:15:00 AM
My friend's training partner tore his pectoral muscle while natty, but because of his stupidity - he tried to break his personal best 1RM during every chest workout.
I used to train like that back in my 20's. :-[
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 21, 2026, 07:53:17 AM
My friend's training partner tore his pectoral muscle while natty, but because of his stupidity - he tried to break his personal best 1RM during every chest workout.
Like I said....too heavy,too often, and maxing out way too often.

Hatfield cycled his poundages in percentages.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on January 21, 2026, 08:00:44 AM
Crying pectoral tears?

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 08:06:36 AM
Experiences may vary but I doubt most make faster progress by training much more frequently anyway. One strange thing with steroids is that they dont seem to make you be able to lift more frequently, in every instance Ive seen when guys start steroids they instinctively cut their volume plus frequency. Naturals seem to tolerate more lifting. I dont know if its neural or what. Just what Ive seen, if someone sees guys start training more when hopping on gear let me know 8) When I was at my biggest and strongest I lifted once a week doing about 5 working sets total for the whole body. I almost couldnt say lifted at all LOL.
I have the exact same experience as you. Since taking steroids, I've found that low volume and high intensity work best for me.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 21, 2026, 08:09:03 AM
Like I said....too heavy,too often, and maxing out way too often.

Hatfield cycled his poundages in percentages.
That's right. Some people never accept this and think they have to break records at every training session or they won't give their all.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 21, 2026, 08:31:45 AM
That's right. Some people never accept this and think they have to break records at every training session or they won't give their all.
Yup...patience is a virtue....."the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on January 21, 2026, 08:59:52 AM
Supposedly, steroids keep you in a continuous anabolic state so there is no need to train too frequently.
Natties however need to train more often to renew anabolism.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on January 21, 2026, 04:09:46 PM
Supposedly, steroids keep you in a continuous anabolic state so there is no need to train too frequently.
Natties however need to train more often to renew anabolism.

Yes plus anti-catabolism. From personal experience you can stop lifting for months but if you keep a little testosterone going you can almost pick up where you left off when you go back to it. You lose a tiny bit of the "pump" or inflammation but it's back after one or two workouts. It used to be that old timer juicers said steroids do nothing but help speed recovery so you can train more and grow more :D Not in  my experience, can't tolerate a ton of lifting when on lots of roids. Not that they impede recovery I don't think but there's something about it where you just don't find yourself in the gym as much (that's if you were a natural doing a ton of volume previously).
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Flexacon on January 21, 2026, 04:24:05 PM
Ex wives and car doors
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on January 21, 2026, 05:36:05 PM
Every guy I've seen tear a pec was on gear. Do natties get muscle tears?
yes they do many do
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: pamith on January 21, 2026, 05:49:43 PM
Pec tears happen when going too heavy, maxing out on the bench or incline bench, anyone going for higher reps like 10+ should be ok!
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on January 21, 2026, 05:53:37 PM
In my opinion... several contributing factors

these could be imo main factors::

*being cold while lifting (alot of people tearing stuff complain about how they did it cold). When cold blood leaves you extremities and muscle to heat up your core and vital organs= less fluid/blood in the muscle

*rapid strength gain. when training is going good and progress is fast. tendons are not as quick to adapt to the muscle increase.

*tendonitis(this is dubious because it creeps up slowly)- part reason why I tore my patellar tendon.

*dehydration/mineral inbalance- obviously makes one more prone to injury
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Lartinos on January 21, 2026, 07:05:13 PM
Being mostly unemployed since 2010.

Previous race driving crashes

Domestic issues involving car doors.

Kiteboarding wear and tear

History of Chrohn’s

Overconsumption of French Toast


Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Methyl m1ke on January 21, 2026, 08:52:52 PM
That's right. Some people never accept this and think they have to break records at every training session or they won't give their all.

Essentially this is what it takes. If something is within your capacity it will not change you.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: French on January 21, 2026, 10:46:38 PM
just read this book
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 22, 2026, 12:19:01 AM
Ex wives and car doors
:D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Donny on January 22, 2026, 08:50:11 AM
Better  :D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on January 22, 2026, 09:08:42 AM
Supposedly, steroids keep you in a continuous anabolic state so there is no need to train too frequently.
Natties however need to train more often to renew anabolism.
How often?
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on January 22, 2026, 12:59:42 PM
Don't do heavy benches with the elbows flared while on steroids which dramatically increase the risk of tears. I tore both pecs in my early 20s pushing very heavy loads, increasing poundage by 100lbs in a few months and stupid things like that. My most serious tear occurred doing wide grip incline benches to the neck in the smith machine which I'd seen Ed Coan recommend somewhere IIRC. Very vulnerable position. As I recall I had about 280lbs on and was planning on 10-12 and on the 3rd it happened. Benching was crazy fun though and I didnt think it would happen so early in my lifting career. The real tragedy for me was that my surgery was delayed and the result was awful.
funny you say that about the smith incline. I just recently nearly tore my pec on that. Or it tore a little bit probably. I could feel the velcro ripping feeling inside my pec. But I manage to drop it while transfering the load to my right side and rack it quickly. If I would continue pressing uppwards I'm pretty sure it would rip completly.. This was about month ago and I have just now just tested doing pushups and so far so good those feel fine and so it will be the rehab i do to get good bloodflow in the pec again.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on January 22, 2026, 01:07:43 PM
How often?

Today's gear heads hit a muscle group once a week.

Powerlifters commonly do the bench, squat and deadlift once per week each and also several assistance exercises for each lift on the day.

The pre-steroid oldtimers hit a muscle group it 2-3 times a week with 6-12 sets per workout.

So, maybe that's right for natties.

I don't recall hearing about torn pecs in the 70s and early 80s.

I do think the use of anabolics nowadays without building a solid base from time spent natural training has something to do with the current frequency of pec tears.
The connective tissues just never get the chance to toughen up before being subjected to heavy loads.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 22, 2026, 05:51:38 PM

I don't recall hearing about torn pecs in the 70s and early 80s.

I do think the use of anabolics nowadays without building a solid base from time spent natural training has something to do with the current frequency of pec tears.
The connective tissues just never get the chance to toughen up before being subjected to heavy loads.
Bill Kazmaier tore his pec in the 80s. I had never heard of anyone experiencing this before.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Donny on January 23, 2026, 03:36:34 AM
Today's gear heads hit a muscle group once a week.

Powerlifters commonly do the bench, squat and deadlift once per week each and also several assistance exercises for each lift on the day.

The pre-steroid oldtimers hit a muscle group it 2-3 times a week with 6-12 sets per workout.

So, maybe that's right for natties.

I don't recall hearing about torn pecs in the 70s and early 80s.

I do think the use of anabolics nowadays without building a solid base from time spent natural training has something to do with the current frequency of pec tears.
The connective tissues just never get the chance to toughen up before being subjected to heavy loads.
I´ve never used steroids & i made good gains on a 5 day split, lots of overlap when training the muscle groups because you can´t isolate a muscle group entirely.

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: BB on January 23, 2026, 04:30:31 AM
Bill Kazmaier tore his pec in the 80s. I had never heard of anyone experiencing this before.

This is an interesting thing, I, too, don't recall many torn pecs pre late 70s (although I wonder if that's due to lax reporting not specify type of injury). It would be interesting to see a breakdown of pre late 70s pec injuries versus lifter weight, maximum poundage lifted, and total training time.

In my mind the older lifters were fatter, had more time under bar to reach their records, and the maximum poundage was light compared to the newer lifters.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on January 23, 2026, 09:05:36 AM
Today's gear heads hit a muscle group once a week.

Powerlifters commonly do the bench, squat and deadlift once per week each and also several assistance exercises for each lift on the day.

The pre-steroid oldtimers hit a muscle group it 2-3 times a week with 6-12 sets per workout.

So, maybe that's right for natties.

I don't recall hearing about torn pecs in the 70s and early 80s.

I do think the use of anabolics nowadays without building a solid base from time spent natural training has something to do with the current frequency of pec tears.
The connective tissues just never get the chance to toughen up before being subjected to heavy loads.
I only hit each muscle group directly once a week but I'm old.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on January 23, 2026, 09:06:53 AM
I only hit each muscle group directly once a week but I'm old.

I'm only hypothesizing.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on January 23, 2026, 09:33:06 AM
Hard to know without statistics lol, but I think pec tears could be much more frequent if it wasn't for lots of trainers warning bodybuilders of the flat bench injury risk. For decades there have been warnings and many pros have been in the "I don't flat bench" camp. Not only because of the injury risk but also because they have thought inclines build a better looking pec or they say that they can't feel their pecs on the flat bench. I think they are mistaken here in a few ways; for example I think flat or very low inclines hit the pecs, probably even the upper pecs, better than the average angle incline set-up. I remember noticing a few of the 'mostly incline' champions curiously having most of their pec mass in the lower pecs (a lot of which is genetic too I'm sure) :D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on January 23, 2026, 12:20:39 PM
Hard to know without statistics lol, but I think pec tears could be much more frequent if it wasn't for lots of trainers warning bodybuilders of the flat bench injury risk. For decades there have been warnings and many pros have been in the "I don't flat bench" camp. Not only because of the injury risk but also because they have thought inclines build a better looking pec or they say that they can't feel their pecs on the flat bench. I think they are mistaken here in a few ways; for example I think flat or very low inclines hit the pecs, probably even the upper pecs, better than the average angle incline set-up. I remember noticing a few of the 'mostly incline' champions curiously having most of their pec mass in the lower pecs (a lot of which is genetic too I'm sure) :D
Im not sure why inlcine would be less risk? what is the reasoning that flat is worst?

I'll include this incline bench for fun  :'(
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on January 23, 2026, 09:01:03 PM
Im not sure why inlcine would be less risk? what is the reasoning that flat is worst?


That's what most believe and it's probably true that it's more common on flat but that might be due to generally heavier loading and more frequent maxing and ego lifting too? Certainly the way I did it to the neck with a very wide grip really stretched the pec. The way Ruhl did it :D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on January 24, 2026, 04:46:44 AM
I can't see how incline would be safer except as mentioned above because people use less weight.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Donny on January 24, 2026, 04:59:19 AM
I can't see how incline would be safer except as mentioned above because people use less weight.
a Good video.. Incline feels better for me but i´m not against say Decline work.
flat press I used to like with Dumbbells but nowadays i don´t bother with it.

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Beefjake on January 24, 2026, 05:31:44 AM
Not getting injured is one aspect of being gifted in something.

Now is being gifted always genetic or is it cumulation of things that was done in the past as kid and youth?
Propably both.

I bet someone said when Kaz tore his pec that human body ain’t supposed to handle such loads.
Then 300kgs/660lbs became more frequent.

Gym is usually one of the safest way to exercise since there isn’t any sudden movements.
I’ve run distance, sprints and played football. Still pulled my calf by walking the stairs.

Eh… what was the question 😃🤔

So who knows.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: _bruce_ on January 24, 2026, 06:05:09 AM
Better  :D

The final boss of tendonitis
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: GymnJuice on January 24, 2026, 07:33:51 AM
Not getting injured is one aspect of being gifted in something.

Now is being gifted always genetic or is it cumulation of things that was done in the past as kid and youth?
Propably both.

I bet someone said when Kaz tore his pec that human body ain’t supposed to handle such loads.
Then 300kgs/660lbs became more frequent.

Gym is usually one of the safest way to exercise since there isn’t any sudden movements.
I’ve run distance, sprints and played football. Still pulled my calf by walking the stairs.


Eh… what was the question 😃🤔

So who knows.

Yeah I've seen several other people who got bicep tears from water skiing.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 24, 2026, 07:55:35 AM
Yeah I've seen several other people who got bicep tears from water skiing.
Tons of guys train like freaking animals then tear something moving a lamp or carrying groceries.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: unwieldy on January 24, 2026, 07:55:51 AM
just read this book

Is it necessary? this one page seems sufficient
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on January 24, 2026, 07:59:58 AM
Not getting injured is one aspect of being gifted in something.

Now is being gifted always genetic or is it cumulation of things that was done in the past as kid and youth?
Propably both.

I bet someone said when Kaz tore his pec that human body ain’t supposed to handle such loads.
Then 300kgs/660lbs became more frequent.

Gym is usually one of the safest way to exercise since there isn’t any sudden movements.
I’ve run distance, sprints and played football. Still pulled my calf by walking the stairs.

Eh… what was the question 😃🤔

So who knows.

Excellent point.
Emmitt Smith had a very long football career with a lot of carries but never had a career ending injury.
He had a difficult shoulder injury and minor knee injuries but never an ACL or severe knee injury.
Pretty amazing.  Some guys are very prone to injuries.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: balzac on January 24, 2026, 10:21:40 AM
Tons of guys train like freaking animals then tear something moving a lamp or carrying groceries.

 :D

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Branch_warren.png)

Quad Tear (2011): Slipped on a wet curb during a thunderstorm, tearing his quad tendon completely off the bone. Despite doubts about his career, he returned to win the 2012 Arnold Classic.
Achilles Tendon Tear (2024): Suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a deer hunting trip in December 2024, requiring surgery.

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/2-13-2015/Wt01CW.gif)
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on January 24, 2026, 10:25:48 AM
:D

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Branch_warren.png)

Quad Tear (2011): Slipped on a wet curb during a thunderstorm, tearing his quad tendon completely off the bone. Despite doubts about his career, he returned to win the 2012 Arnold Classic.
Achilles Tendon Tear (2024): Suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a deer hunting trip in December 2024, requiring surgery.

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/2-13-2015/Wt01CW.gif)
...and once fell out of a monster truck !!
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on January 24, 2026, 10:29:56 AM
...and once fell out of couldnt get into a monster truck !!

fixed
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on January 24, 2026, 02:42:30 PM
:D

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Branch_warren.png)

Quad Tear (2011): Slipped on a wet curb during a thunderstorm, tearing his quad tendon completely off the bone. Despite doubts about his career, he returned to win the 2012 Arnold Classic.
Achilles Tendon Tear (2024): Suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a deer hunting trip in December 2024, requiring surgery.

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/2-13-2015/Wt01CW.gif)

Evan Centopani tore his quad slipping on ice outside his house aswell.

It's always the uncontrolled sudden impact that does it. Gym lifts are controlled.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 25, 2026, 03:52:11 PM
A few months ago, a friend of mine who bench pressed 570 lbs RAW tore his biceps while leaning his hand against a car.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: US MUSL on January 25, 2026, 08:28:55 PM
Ruptured my bicep tendon removing the door pad on a truck.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on January 26, 2026, 02:19:03 PM
speaking of incline bench

the fu...

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 26, 2026, 04:25:04 PM
speaking of incline bench

the fu...


I've been following him on Instagram for a while now. Very strong guy, I hope he doesn't tear anything.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Methyl m1ke on January 26, 2026, 10:45:43 PM
speaking of incline bench

the fu...



Greg Kovacs repped that much
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: kepler2008 on January 26, 2026, 11:13:28 PM
This is an interesting thing, I, too, don't recall many torn pecs pre late 70s (although I wonder if that's due to lax reporting not specify type of injury). It would be interesting to see a breakdown of pre late 70s pec injuries versus lifter weight, maximum poundage lifted, and total training time.

In my mind the older lifters were fatter, had more time under bar to reach their records, and the maximum poundage was light compared to the newer lifters.

Chris Dickerson 82 Mr Olympia. His left pec was already injured at the 79 Mr Olympia.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: JK on January 27, 2026, 03:02:43 AM
Greg Kovacs repped that much
As far as I know, Greg only did the incline Smith machine.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on January 27, 2026, 08:26:44 AM
Ruptured my bicep tendon removing the door pad on a truck.

I tore my bicep lifting a welding machine into a shipping container. There was like an iron loop at the end and I pulled with one finger, using the hand I supinate on deads. I mean I've held almost 1K on a very short rack dead with a mixed grip with no tears. I must have slightly bended the arm. Docs didn't want to operate but I insisted and I'm extremely glad I did, otherwise there would be zero bicep left (already had very small and short bis).
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Lartinos on February 06, 2026, 10:43:06 AM
His reaction to his first life experience between 1-2 mins is interesting.

After that it shows the bruise on his bicep and explains from there.

i=crwvqdYkk2zJUjsO
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on February 06, 2026, 11:04:39 AM
Sounds like his HMO is giving him the run-around with the referral and approvals gambits.

(https://media1.tenor.com/m/TMDctv4XtGUAAAAC/gambit-gambito.gif)
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on February 06, 2026, 12:08:47 PM
His reaction to his first life experience between 1-2 mins is interesting.

After that it shows the bruise on his bicep and explains from there.

i=crwvqdYkk2zJUjsO
kinda, kinda, kinda, kinda, kinda..


Fucks sake I fucking hate that shit.

There is NEVER any need to say "kinda" or "kind of" when you are talking.

Next time you hear someone say it replay what they said and omit the "kinda/kind of" and you will see its not needed.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on February 06, 2026, 12:38:20 PM
kinda, kinda, kinda, kinda, kinda..


Fucks sake I fucking hate that shit.

There is NEVER any need to say "kinda" or "kind of" when you are talking.

Next time you hear someone say it replay what they said and omit the "kinda/kind of" and you will see its not needed.
When you think about it,it kinda is at times !!  ;D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on February 06, 2026, 12:41:13 PM
When you think about it,it is at times !!  ;D

nope, reads exactly the same without it
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on February 06, 2026, 12:41:34 PM
"But yeah" is definitely needed at times.......kinda ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on February 06, 2026, 12:43:00 PM
nope, reads exactly the same without it
Relax I`m just kinda busting balls !! LOL   ;)
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on February 06, 2026, 12:55:51 PM
my guess is he made the pec crossover pulley with a single pulley.

There is a good reason they are made with double pulleys. The returning force is very hard on a single pulley.

Feel the difference between a single pulley and a double pulley you will understand why it will tear pecs
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on February 06, 2026, 12:57:30 PM
Relax I`m just busting balls !! LOL   ;)
see.  ;D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on February 06, 2026, 01:04:42 PM
This fella repeats a certain word a little excessively. I feel for the interrogators, I would have went insane. His speech should be illegal, I don't know how any girl could stand it.

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Griffith on February 06, 2026, 11:10:57 PM
I'm taking a break from benching and focusing on dips and push-ups, no extra weight added, just bodyweight.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: wes on February 06, 2026, 11:56:32 PM
see.  ;D
LOL  ;D
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: joswift on February 07, 2026, 05:00:52 AM
This fella repeats a certain word a little excessively. I feel for the interrogators, I would have went insane. His speech should be illegal, I don't know how any girl could stand it.



the "like" is another one, it started with the Kardashians
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on February 07, 2026, 03:12:22 PM
Here's a great discussion on why tendons tears usually occurs

Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Lartinos on February 07, 2026, 04:05:11 PM
At the very end of the pec tear video he says what absolutely shouldn’t done if you tear your pec.

It’s basically everything Wood Hankins does..
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: jude2 on February 07, 2026, 04:43:56 PM
I tore my first tendon after training and powerlifting for 45 years.  About 2 months ago I was having some tendonitis in his R elbow. I would get some burning in my elbow with pressing and extension exercises. I dropped the weight down a lot and warmed up really good and that usually worked of me. 2 months ago I did chest and triceps on Friday. It was burning in my elbow so I went light and had a ok workout.  Saturday morning I went to press myself up with one arm while laying prone and I heard a loud rip. My arm gave out on me. I could not extend my R arm.  I knew I tore it, could see it.  Had the MRI and was a complete tear.  Had it repaired the next week.  Was in a cast for 1 week followed by a brace with my ROM limited for 7 weeks. They removed the brace the brace a week ago.  I now have full ROM but damn my tricep it weak of course. I went back to the gym 3 days after my surgery and trained my left upper body and legs.  That really helped me keep a lot of my size on my R.  The dr was amazed.  Had a good week this week rehab in the gym.  Point of this long post.  Listen to your body talking to you and it appears you get good overflow training one side of your body.
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: MAXX on February 08, 2026, 04:54:13 AM
I tore my first tendon after training and powerlifting for 45 years.  About 2 months ago I was having some tendonitis in his R elbow. I would get some burning in my elbow with pressing and extension exercises. I dropped the weight down a lot and warmed up really good and that usually worked of me. 2 months ago I did chest and triceps on Friday. It was burning in my elbow so I went light and had a ok workout.  Saturday morning I went to press myself up with one arm while laying prone and I heard a loud rip. My arm gave out on me. I could not extend my R arm.  I knew I tore it, could see it.  Had the MRI and was a complete tear.  Had it repaired the next week.  Was in a cast for 1 week followed by a brace with my ROM limited for 7 weeks. They removed the brace the brace a week ago.  I now have full ROM but damn my tricep it weak of course. I went back to the gym 3 days after my surgery and trained my left upper body and legs.  That really helped me keep a lot of my size on my R.  The dr was amazed.  Had a good week this week rehab in the gym.  Point of this long post.  Listen to your body talking to you and it appears you get good overflow training one side of your body.
Yes and tendonitis/ inflammation and can get chronic if you don't ease up and start rehab work.

I had tendonitis in my patellar tendon. Tore it tripping in a flight of stairs putting the foot down after a long fall really hard on concrete floor. Pretty damn embarrassing.. I think if It wasn't inflamed it wouldn't tear from that. But maybe...

It's been a year now and I'm back now squatting have progressed up to 270 deep squats for many reps. Eventually I want to go back to 315 but we'll see. I get good stimulation from just 270. I'm pretty happy how well the recovery went but I did alot of rehab, from day one every day for 6 months
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: Van_Bilderass on February 08, 2026, 12:03:28 PM

Yes and tendonitis/ inflammation and can get chronic if you don't ease up and start rehab work.

I had tendonitis in my patellar tendon. Tore it tripping in a flight of stairs putting the foot down after a long fall really hard on concrete floor. Pretty damn embarrassing.. I think if It wasn't inflamed it wouldn't tear from that. But maybe...

It's been a year now and I'm back now squatting have progressed up to 270 deep squats for many reps. Eventually I want to go back to 315 but we'll see. I get good stimulation from just 270. I'm pretty happy how well the recovery went but I did alot of rehab, from day one every day for 6 months

I think a lot of times you think if I hadn't done this or that on that day I wouldn't have had a tear but I think also a lot of times something was hanging by a thread and it would have have happened eventually anyway because there was trauma there you were unaware of.

Regarding rehab, I've written about it before, but after I had surgery for my bicep tear, at 12 weeks post-op I met the surgeon and he sort of got mad at me when I said I'm carefully rehabbing with low to moderate weights. He said I should be at max weights by now, "we want you back 100% like you were before. Just don't yank it but load heavy." :D I can see his point but on the other hand at some point you may sort of be too strong for your tendons :-\
Title: Re: What causes pectoral tears?
Post by: IroNat on February 08, 2026, 02:09:53 PM
I think a lot of times you think if I hadn't done this or that on that day I wouldn't have had a tear but I think also a lot of times something was hanging by a thread and it would have have happened eventually anyway because there was trauma there you were unaware of.

Regarding rehab, I've written about it before, but after I had surgery for my bicep tear, at 12 weeks post-op I met the surgeon and he sort of got mad at me when I said I'm carefully rehabbing with low to moderate weights. He said I should be at max weights by now, "we want you back 100% like you were before. Just don't yank it but load heavy." :D I can see his point but on the other hand at some point you may sort of be too strong for your tendons :-\

Agreed.