Why Bench Press? Why Deadlift? Why Squat?

Three excellent questions if you care about getting the maximum value from your weight training.

For the first question…

Why Bench Press?

It’s an oldie, but a goodie; a classic exercise that’s stood the test of time and here’s why.

Bench Press Targets the Chest Better Than any Other Exercise

Well, we could say it’s unbeatable, but let’s go with virtually unbeatable. And while the bench press doesn’t target chest muscles exclusively – triceps and shoulders also get in on the act – your pecs get a properly targeted hit with every rep.

Bench Press Builds Upper Body Mass

While it can’t claim the same all-body impact as deadlifts and squats, no exercise packs on upper body muscle mass like the bench press.

Bench Press Gives you Push Power

It might not seem important, but with all that upper body strength bench press gives you, you’re better equipped for other push exercises.

Why Deadlift?

To the uninitiated, a deadlift might look like a failed lift – bringing a bar to your knees and putting it straight back down again. In fact, the deadlift will attack all the major muscle groups with gusto. Deadlifts work.

Deadlifts Build Muscle Mass

Why? Well, for a start, deadlift training uses heavy weights; that’s why you can only get the bar to your knees and be instantly keen to put it back down again. However, most experts believe deadlifts build upper body strength and lower body strength more effectively than any other exercise, including squats.

Deadlifts Work for all the Major Muscle Groups

Deadlifts engage and work more muscles than squats and any other exercise you care to name. What’s more, they’re a fantastic way to work your entire posterior chain from the lower back to calves.

Deadlifts Burn More Fat Than Aerobics

Well, so the experts say. This applies to weight training in general, but you can count on deadlifts as a fat burning exercise, especially heavy deadlifting.

Deadlifts Build Strength and Stability

Deadlifts reinforce core strength and, as a consequence, improve stability and posture.

Why Squat?

How often do you squat in real life? You’d be surprised how often you perform this exercise in an average day – squatting to talk to a toddler; squatting to pick something up; squatting to tie laces. With or without weights, squats help to tone your body; the more weight you add, the more muscle mass you’ll build.

Squats Build Muscle

And if you think that muscle will be confined to your legs, think again. With a well-performed squat, your entire body comes into play – hamstrings, calves, butt, lower back, abdominals, shoulder blades and quadriceps.

Squats Build Flexibility

Bend and stretch, reach for a more supple body in later life; that’s one of the enduring benefits of squats. Squats help to improve the limberness in muscles, tendons and ligaments.

And if all that powerlifting has you pumped, it might be time to consider an exciting fitness career as a personal trainer. You can start your nationally recognised course online, get in touch and find out how!