The Functionality of the Bench Press (Nerdfitness.Com) The bench press is widely known as a “chest” exercise, however, that’s definitely not all it is. The bench uses your shoulders, triceps, forearms, lats, and pecs, traps, rhomboids, and pretty much every muscle in your upper body. However, the bench press doesn’t JUST use your upper body. When you bench properly, you use your lower back, hips, and legs as well. Just like our other main lifts (the squat, deadlift, and overhead press), the bench press, while putting an emphasis on specific muscle groups, is a full body movement. Think about it – while you’re benching, the rest of your body is not just lying there doing nothing. Your entire body should be working – your shoulders are pinched together and your lats are engaged, while your back, hips and legs are tight, stabilizing your entire body to create a solid base and help you generate drive from the round. Thanks to @clintwilsonhq for inspiring this post #benchpresstips #benchpress #functionalstrength #functionalfitness #truestrength #upperbodystrength #explossivetraining #explosivepower #chestexercises #pectoral #Triceps #fullbodyexercises #core #gym #fitness #gymlife #fitfam #workout #health #nutrition #sportsperformance #macros #athlete #bodybuilding #winninghabits #weightlifting #weightloss #athleticeatery #toronto #thegreatertorontoarea (at Toronto, Ontario)