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Bench press is a resistance training and body building exercise that concentrates on strengthening the upper body by pressing a weight upwards from a supine position. The target muscles are the pectoralis major and the supporting arm, chest, and shoulder muscles. The person doing the bench press lies on their back holding the weight on both hands, push it upwards, and then lower the weight again to the chest level. This movement is called one repetition.

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This exercise has also become a sport and competitions for it are held. Competitions started in the early 1900s. Methods, lifting techniques, and training for bench press has changed over time. The barbell bench press is one of three lifts in the sport of powerlifting.

Competition involves lifting weights in three attempts. In competition, lifts may be performed equipped (raw) or un-equipped (classic). Powerlifting Bench Press has been a Paralympic sport since 1984.

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Other Powerlifting Events

• Squat — participants attempt to perform a squat with the maximum weight on their shoulders.
• Deadlift — participants lift a loaded barbell off the ground to the hips, and then lower it back to the ground

Related Pages

• bench pressing world records
• About the sport of powerlifting
• bench press fitness test
• List of weight lifting sports
• About the Paralympics
• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports