The Effect of Grip Width on Bench Press Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of grip width, chest depth, limb lengths, and bar path on the performance of a maximal bench press. Subjects were 24 experienced male weight trainers. Bench press performance was assessed at six different grip widths (G1–G6). Repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons revealed that bench press strength values at the two moderate grip widths (G3 and G4) were significantly greater than either the narrow or wide grip widths. First-order partial correlations showed no significant relationship between strength values and anthropometric variables when adjusted for differences in body weight. Standard two-dimensional cinematographic procedures were used to film a subsample (n = 6) while bench pressing using G1, G3, and G6. The results of the statistical comparisons of bar path indicated that as grip width increased, the horizontal and vertical distance from the bar to the shoulder decreased.

The effects of grip width on sticking region in bench press

“…The three grip widths being wide defined as preferred competition grip, narrow defined as bi-acromial distance and medium in the middle of the two (Barnett et al, 1995;Lehman, 2005;Wagner et al, 1992). Only three grip widths were used to avoid fatigue that can occur when performing with more grip widths (Wagner et al, 1992).…”

“…Madsen and McLaughlin (1984) and Wagner, Evans, Weir, Housh, and Johnson (1992) found that one is significantly stronger with a wide grip compared to a narrow grip. However, only Wagner et al (1992) mentioned sticking region and grip width.…”

“…Madsen and McLaughlin (1984) and Wagner, Evans, Weir, Housh, and Johnson (1992) found that one is significantly stronger with a wide grip compared to a narrow grip. However, only Wagner et al (1992) mentioned sticking region and grip width. They tested the bench press with six different grip widths and found that the sticking region began at a significantly higher point for a grip width of 169% of bi-acromial distance (BAD), than for a grip width of 270% of BAD.…”

Determination and Prediction of One Repetition Maximum (1RM): Safety Considerations

“…Brown and Wier (2001) proposed the following standardized procedures for 1RM determination based on previous recommendations (Stone and O'Bryant 1987, Kraemer and Fry 1991, Wagner et al 1992, Weir et al 1994.…”

The Sticking Point in the Bench Press, the Squat, and the Deadlift: Similarities and Differences, and Their Significance for Research and Practice

“…On the surface this finding appears to contrast with that of Wagner et al [39], particularly considering that the subjects in the study by Król et al were asked to use the uniform grip with the 81-cm spacing between palms—the widest grip allowed by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). As we noted in the previous paragraph, wide grip in elite powerlifters was associated with a lower sticking point location.…”