Video Analysis of a Bench Press

Video Analysis of a Bench PressAuthor: Dudley TabakinThis week University of Southern California football running back, Stafon Johnson, was bench pressing during training when the bar slipped out of his hands and landed on his throat causing severe laryngeal as well as neck injuries.The bench press is a great exercise to build your pectoral (chest), triceps, biceps and deltoids (main shoulder) muscles. The exercise is used in training for many athletes in numerous sports, but especially in football. Johnson therefore would have bench pressed numerous times before and also had a coach or fellow athlete spotting him at the time of the accident. I am sure Johnson was using good technique and the accident was very unfortunate rather than a mistake on the athlete or trainers part. In most cases when a the bar slips during bench press it lands on the chest and causes much less damage. According to his doctor, Johnson should make a full recovery. However it is important to understand that the use proper technique can help athletes avoid injuries such as tendon or muscle tears as well as build themuscles more effectively. Below is a video of strongman Derek Poundstone from the USA bench pressing 500lb. Lets take a look at his technique.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx_dPwQQozcBefore we begin to analyze this video remember that when doing the bench press, always have a spotter, someone to help steady the bar or pull it up if you need it.

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