The Bench Press: Best Practices for Maximum Results Online CE Course

This course consists of the following:

• The Bench Press: Best Practices for Maximum Results video presentation
• Slide deck
• Practice exam
• Online continuing education exam

The Bench Press: Best Practices for Maximum Results explores how to coach the bench press to achieve better outcomes for a variety of clients. Presenter J.A. Graves will cover the basics of the bench press, including why it’s used as a key performance indicator (KPI) for upper body strength and the upper body injuries that can present challenges for the bench press. You’ll get detailed information on setup and execution for your clients and cueing details for both the descent and ascent. You’ll then learn about common compensations and common injuries before diving into variations of the bench press and biomechanical considerations. Graves provides perspective on additional considerations to keep in mind for individual clients, including discussion of client injuries. Finally, you’ll get variations, supplemental exercise options, sample programming, and best practice tips that will help you provide each of your clients with maximum results.

Learning Objectives

• Name the prime movers involved in the bench press exercise.
• Demonstrate proper setup and performance of the bench press exercise.
• Recognize common compensations in the bench press exercise.
• Describe different variations of the bench press exercise.
• Explain how different bench press grip widths influence muscle recruitment.
• Match the muscle recruitment pattern with the appropriate bench press variation.
• Explain variable resistance and its use with the bench press exercise.
• Formulate an exercise program that focuses on building upper body strength and emphasizes horizontal pressing.
• Describe how to appropriately modify the bench press exercise for clients with a history of shoulder pain.
• Describe how to appropriately modify the bench press exercise for clients with a history of elbow pain.

Audience

Certified strength and conditioning professionals, personal trainers, and performance practitioners.

John (J.A.) Graves, PT, DPT, CSCS, is a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist from Gilbert, Arizona. He is currently an assistant professor in the physical therapy doctoral program at A.T. Still University and works with clients at K2 Physical Therapy & Sports Performance. He specializes in orthopedics and sports, with a special interest in the upper extremity and overhead athletes.