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The popularity of the bench press needs no introduction – it’s the Prom King, captain of the football team and is banging the hottest cheerleader. Besides questions on accessory work, the bench press and how to increase it is the top question I get asked. But anytime I give advice to someone they respond with a host of reasons why it won’t work for them. So let’s present some of the best ways to increase your bench press, the excuses and then responses to the excuses.

Question: From your experience as a strength coach can you give some advice for a young strength coach just coming up in the industry?

Answer:

I'll list several things, in no particular order that would help any person be a better coach.

I love doing dips, although I'm 100% convinced they didn't help my bench press. I do think they helped my press, though.

Getting strong goes beyond lifting heavy. Here's what experienced lifters know that keeps them going long after most have quit.

It's not a popular sentiment to say this, but you can out train your diet. People have done it for thousands of years and people do it today. I have done it and I have seen hundreds of other people do it. It's just not popular to say that if you are selling a nutrition program, idea or fitness lifestyle.

It’s that time again and everyone you know is ready to make a change. More times than not, this means they want to get their ass in a gym and get in shape. Well, I have no idea what “in shape” means to everyone but 99% of people fail for the following reasons:

No one's going to judge you as a person on how much weight you lift; and if they do, their opinions aren't worth a watery dump. Since you are new to this, let me offer a few points.

Question:
I know there are a lot of variables to this question but do you find that older lifters (over 55) respond better to full body training 2 days a week or focusing on one main lift a day 4 days a week?

Answer:
It doesn't matter at all - for any lifter. People get so caught up in this stuff, and I totally understand why, but it doesn't matter at all. Just like where you put the bar when you squat, what kind of grip you take on chins/pull-ups, casein vs. whey...I should write an article on this. Just a lot of bickering and ridiculousness.

Anyway, with an older lifter there are a couple things that need to be addressed/looked at. First...