Submitted by:
Justin Leonard
Typically, a person is stronger at a certain point of a lift than they are at others (e.g. half squat vs full squat). To overcome the differentiation in resistance, bands are used to accommodate changes in strength at different phases of the movement. Ultimately, your muscles will have to work harder because of the bands.
How to Setup Heavy Duty Resistance Bands (PDF)
This exercise may feel awkward at first due to the change in directional forces. But the reverse band setup will enable you to load the bar with much more weight than you would normally use. As you push the bar off your chest, you will feel a progressive weight increase as the bands return to their resting length.The following are instructions for performing the reverse bench press with powerlifting bands:
First, anchor the bands to the top frame of a power rack. Once the bands are setup, lie down on a flat bench and disengage the bar from the rack. Slowly lower the bar to the middle/lower portion of your chest. Pause for a second, then push the bar up, just short of locking the elbows. Exhale as you push the weight up. Repeat the exercise as needed.
