One thing i noticed in bench press grip.

[Meso_z]

Today i did some flat bench, i dont do it often.

So, I tried a "different" grip than usual.

I griped the bar WITH my thumb, but when pressing i kept my thumb "loose" not wrapped around.

That way i found i was able to control the bar better, plus more safe while doing partials (not locking on top)

It sounds like bs but what do you say? 

[YoungBlood]

If it works for you, sure. Just make sure that you won't lose your grip and end up like 100,000 other idiots on youtube.com as the bar nearly cuts your head off or breaks your ribs.

[Montague]

An old timer once told me to loosen my grip on Hammer presses because it would give me a little more power.
For whatever reason – maybe it was just the power of suggestion – the weight did go up a bit easier with a relaxed grip.

I’ve tried applying this principle to db work by slightly loosening my grip.
I would not, however, try it with a bb for safety issues.

[jpm101]

That would be something akin to a false grip, where the thumb is not part of the grip it's self. Usually the bar is resting more on the heel of the hand, with the thumb behind the bar, with a true false grip. With the bar held this way,a more direct line of force/power is gained because the heel, wrist and forearm are inline. Also seems to be easier on the wrist. Some call these a negative grip, for whatever reason.

PL'ers and other heavy benchers will use this method now and than. Caution should be taken because that bar can slip or become out of control at times. Best to have a GOOD spotter at hand. or do benches in a PR, for your own safety. Might want to stickum or something like that when doing these.

Some use a false grip on curls or chins. Some guy's swear by this method. Can really be used on most exercises, though in my view only, I do not see the big advantage. BP'ing and overhead pressing being the exceptions. Seem to generate more direct power to these lifts. Good Luck.

[BatistaSL]

That would be something akin to a false grip, where the thumb is not part of the grip it's self. Usually the bar is resting more on the heel of the hand, with the thumb behind the bar, with a true false grip. With the bar held this way,a more direct line of force/power is gained because the heel, wrist and forearm are inline. Also seems to be easier on the wrist. Some call these a negative grip, for whatever reason.

PL'ers and other heavy benchers will use this method now and than. Caution should be taken because that bar can slip or become out of control at times. Best to have a GOOD spotter at hand. or do benches in a PR, for your own safety. Might want to stickum or something like that when doing these.

Some use a false grip on curls or chins. Some guy's swear by this method. Can really be used on most exercises, though in my view only, I do not see the big advantage. BP'ing and overhead pressing being the exceptions. Seem to generate more direct power to these lifts. Good Luck.

I do, Its not as hard as it looks. But one should maintain strict form/balance in the first few days just to get used to it. Once you are familier with it, it's easier than the normal grip. doesn't bother my wrist at any weight.

[Montague]

With the bar held this way,a more direct line of force/power is gained because the heel, wrist and forearm are inline.

Jpm,
Is that also the same thing as "joint stacking?"
When I started getting interested in bb in H.S. I remember hearing one of the ESPN Bodyshaping guys talking about stacking your joints while doing incline presses.

Some use a false grip on curls or chins. Some guy's swear by this method.

I seem to experience better control and a bit more power when squeezing the bar during curls. I don't know if it's some biomechanical cause & effect, or maybe the grip just helps my focus and intensity.

[jpm101]

Montague, there is a lot of "joint stacking" here in San Diego and SoCal, mostly starting Friday afternoon well into Sunday morning. But that's another story.

Never heard  of "joint stacking" with regards to heels in line with the palms. Could be somewhere, who knows (not me)?

Some have used rubber grips (heard of using sponges or heavy pot holders ((no joke)) also) around a BB and squeezed those at the top contraction point of curls. Anyway, can give a better feel to curling for some.

If the added squeeze  works for you and BatistaSL, than great for both of you. As I have said before, BB'ers can be very innovated and successful when finding new way to do old exercises. Good Luck.

[Montague]

Montague, there is a lot of "joint stacking" here in San Diego and SoCal, mostly starting Friday afternoon well into Sunday morning. But that's another story.

Never heard  of "joint stacking" with regards to heels in line with the palms. Could be somewhere, who knows (not me)?

Some have used rubber grips (heard of using sponges or heavy pot holders ((no joke)) also) around a BB and squeezed those at the top contraction point of curls. Anyway, can give a better feel to curling for some.

A buddy of mine used to wear lifting gloves with extra padding in the palms and inner phalanges for all bb/db work. Makes every bar like a thick bar. He had forearms like Popeye.

Was expecting a “joint” joke or comment – didn’t think it would come from you!
 

[Geo]

I knew a guy who did'nt wrap his thumbs around the barbell and they found him dead behind a chinese massage parlor the next day

[Meso_z]

Guys i think you misunderstood my q...

i mean grap the bar with your 4 fingers, as if you were doing a thumbless grip, but dont have your thumb in the same direction as with your other 4, have it normally as if you grip with a thumb the only difference is to have it loose and not tight around the bar..

[dyslexic]

Guys i think you misunderstood my q...

i mean grap the bar with your 4 fingers, as if you were doing a thumbless grip, but dont have your thumb in the same direction as with your other 4, have it normally as if you grip with a thumb the only difference is to have it loose and not tight around the bar..

Eventually this grip you are utilizing will turn into a full 'false grip' -- I couldn't do it any other way. I do it with most everything because it is comfortable, and- I have been doing it for a long, long time.

I don't like the feel (or loss) of "grip" (or grip strength) determining what kind of workout I will have. If I want to train my grip... I'll go whack....wait...