Bench press shirts, also known as bench shirts or squat suits, are specialized supportive garments worn by powerlifters during bench press exercises. These shirts are typically made from tight and stiff materials like denim or specialized fabrics that provide compression and support to the lifter's chest, shoulders, and arms during the lift.
The primary benefits of bench press shirts for powerlifters include:
- Increased stability: Bench press shirts help to stabilize the lifter's shoulders and upper body, allowing them to lift heavier weights more comfortably and with better form.
- Enhanced performance: The compression provided by bench press shirts can assist in generating more power during the lift, potentially leading to improved performance and higher lifts.
- Injury prevention: By reducing the strain on the shoulders and chest muscles, bench press shirts can help prevent injuries and overuse during heavy lifting sessions.
- Competition advantage: In powerlifting competitions, the use of bench press shirts is allowed in certain categories, giving lifters a competitive advantage by enabling them to lift heavier weights than they could without the shirt.
- Training tool: Bench press shirts can also be used as a training tool to help lifters acclimate to handling heavier weights and improve their technique and strength over time.
Learn more:
- Bench Press Shirts: Are They Worth It? | T Nation
- Powerlifting equipment - Wikipedia
- How to Bench Press With a Bench Shirt