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Old 05-16-2010, 08:32 AM
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cr3beast cr3beast is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Indiana
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Fine, if you insist on me finding the information here is part of a study...I will include a link for you so you may read the whole thing. This report was written by Tom McCullough MEd. Here is what it says--
The Clavicular Head

Now we all know that the incline bench hits the upper pecs. Right? Since the upper pecs seem to help to raise the arm, this would make sense. The incline position would put the arm in more of a flexed position than either the flat or decline positions. According to EMG studies this advice seems to be pretty much true. The Barnett study tells us that the incline position produces just slightly more electrical energy in the upper pecs that either the flat or decline positions. However, the flat bench was found to be very close. While the difference between the two was considered insignificant, the slight advantage of the incline over the flat bench in upper pec activation may be just what some of us need to further develop the upper pecs. "This is all very true," says Robinson. "There is no doubt the incline bench hits the pecs more than the flat bench."

Cutler agrees and says, "I personally feel upper pec development is very important for a bodybuilder. So I concentrate more on the incline bench that I do the flat bench." While the incline position may provide slightly greater upper pec stimulation Hatfield contends, "The same thing can be accomplished by using the flat bench. I would suggest lowering the bar to the upper pecs instead of the lower pecs (as normal), using a wide grip with the elbows out."

Nevertheless, if you are going to use the incline position to target the upper pecs, a narrower grip has been shown to best activate them. Professional bodybuilder Mike Francois agrees and says "A grip that is just a little bit wider than shoulder’s width really hits my upper pecs best." But Sal Arria, D.C., founder of the International Sport Science Association and former powerlifting champion warns: "Using a wide grip can involve too much front deltoid and can cause the deltoids to slam against the acronium process, causing trauma to the muscle."

You can read more here-- http://www.texaspowerscene.com/artic...enchpress.html

At the bottom of the page there are the references used in this report. Would you like me to read and post links for all of those too?? Or do you think you can manage that? (in case you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm. As I stated before, y'all are big boys, do it yourself.)
Now I know it says that it is a slight increase, and I get the feeling someone will pounce on that, but let me ask you this...If i tell you that if you change your lift you will have a slight advantage to build muscle, would you do it? And as for your decline doing more for upper pecs, EMGs don't lie, and it feels that you are confused in your thinking.
So, either drop it, or agree to disagree because I am done. I have given advice, I have backed it up with personal experience, medical knowledge, and now EMG reports.
Oh, and to add, I didn't say I didn't trust quotes in books...I said I didn't trust quotes, as in from the general population.
So, as always, Good luck!
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