ArticleTime to Reconsider Foot and Leg Position During the Bench PressNuzzo, James L. PhD, CSCS Author Information West Leederville, Western Australia, Australia Address correspondence to Dr. James L. Nuzzo, [email protected]. Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The author reports no conflicts of interest and no source of funding. Strength and Conditioning Journal: February 2021 - Volume 43 - Issue 1 - p 101-106 doi: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000562 Buy Metrics Abstract The “feet on the floor” guideline for the bench press is a historical byproduct of old bench designs. The “psoas-relaxed position,” where the hips and knees are flexed and the feet rest on adjustable plates at the end of the bench, should be considered to replace existing guidelines. The psoas-relaxed position accommodates lifters of all body heights, is more sport-specific than current bench press posture, and reduces lumbar lordosis and increases the cross-sectional area of the dural sac and spinal canal, making the exercise more viable for certain back pain patients. Steps to implementation include research on bench press postural preferences, development of adjustable foot plates, and formal revision to bench press guidelines. Copyright © 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association
