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Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 7:50 pm
by IronMike92
Some say touch nipple line, some say lower sternum, some say 'wherever your arms make a straight line'. My touch point wanders rep to rep. Does it actually matter and how do I make it consistent?
Re: Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 8:31 pm
by FormFixer
It matters because a consistent bar path is a stronger, safer bar path. The touch point depends on your arm length and grip, but for most people it's lower chest / sternum with elbows tucked ~45-75 degrees, not flared to the nipples.
Re: Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 9:06 pm
by TechniqueTitan
Wandering touch point usually means an inconsistent setup. Same grip width, same shoulder retraction, same leg drive every rep and the touch point stabilises on its own. Fix the setup, not the touch.
Re: Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 9:18 pm
by IronMike92
My grip width does drift, now that you mention it.
Re: Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 10:01 pm
by TechniqueTitan
Mark the knurling. Index fingers on the same ring every single time. Removes one big variable instantly.
Re: Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 10:17 pm
by SquatSensei
Film from the side. The bar should come down to your lower chest and the path should be a slight J back over the shoulders on the way up. If it's touching high near the neck, that's the dangerous version to fix first.
Re: Bench press - should the bar touch the same spot every rep? Getting conflicting advice
Posted: Sun May 31, 2026 10:35 pm
by IronMike92
Great, marking my grip and filming a set today. Thanks.