In powerlifting, injuries are bound to happen, but that doesn't mean you have to stop lifting heavy. Finding different methods to do the same exercises is important.
This method allows you to still bench press regardless of any pain in your lower back (lumbar spine). This is done by placing an arch-style ab mat on the bench press to support the natural curve in your spine, allowing you to bench press safely and pain free.
Remember, keep your glutes, lats, and shoulder blades touching the bench at all times.
About 2 years ago, we asked one of our resident nutrition and supplement gurus, John Berardi, to give us a peek into his training journal. While best known for dispersing dietary dogma, JB has built a rock-solid physique from countless hours of fraternizing with heavy dumbbells and barbells.
Dan John's been dragging his calloused butt across Terra Firma for a relatively long time, but he only recently realized he'd been wasting a lot of time on assistance exercises and aerobics.