What hand grip do you use for presses?

[columbo]

I just read in a muscle magazine this month that you should not use (forgot the name of it...or what they called it.) the thumb under the bar for benching, they say to wrap your hand around the bar? I've been training for a while and I've always used the thumb under the bar... so I tried the thumb around the bar....it was much harder to press.... which grip is better? thanks

[bonebreaker]

The thumb under the bar is called a "false grip". I use that grip as it seems to put less pressure on my wrists and forearm tendons. However, it is more dangerous than a full grip. BB

[bluedevil]

i too prefer the false grip. practice with lighter weights until you get the feel of the bar or else you may drop it on yourself.

[meat12]

Go with what works for you, I personally feel safer with closed grip. If you can handle the weight false grip you should be fine.

[Buffindiandude]

I have read that studies have shown that a closed grip along with clenching the bar very tightly (having good gripping strength is a plus) can increase bench stats by 10%. I will try to find the source and post it later tonight....

[Buffindiandude]

I read it in

http://www.t-mag.com/html/body_94bench.html

Sorry... it does not give the original reference but simply says that grip strength has been shown to increase bench stats by 10%..... YMMV

[columbo]

I am totally comfortable with the false grip. I've done my max's with that grip, I did try the other way this week and wow I guess I was just not use to the grip....didn't hit what I normally hit...it felt ok, but I do prefer the false grip thanks guys:) and if there is no advantage of the two grips then I'll stick with the false one:D

[bad14u]

The false grip takes some getting use to ...hence the name false grip!!! I tried it awhile back on my Bowflex with too many rods hooked up and the next thing you know I had the handle in my arm pit!!! Ouch!!! Start off slow and lite to get the hang of it because if you drop a bar full of weights you will end up with more damage than I did from the Bowflex!!!

[Mr. Shoulders]

Bowflex????

[Buffindiandude]

Yeah... are you sure you want to reveal those kinds of dark secrets in this forum, bro? LOL....