bench press
powerlifting
Quick Summary
The bench press is an exercise where a weight is lifted by extending the arms upward while lying on a bench. It is a key component of powerlifting, a sport that prioritizes raw strength over technique, flexibility, and speed.12
In powerlifting competitions, the bench press demonstrates upper-body strength. It involves lying on a bench, pausing the barbell at the chest, and then pressing it upward. This lift, along with the squat and deadlift, contributes to a lifter's total score, determining the winner in each weight class.2
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