You’re a seasoned bodybuilder, an OG in the game, hitting the gym with the kind of discipline that’s made you a legend among the iron. You live for the grind—packing on slabs of muscle, chasing that perfect physique, and dominating every lift. Your bench press is already impressive, but you’re hungry to slap extra weight on that bar and solidify your legacy. Here are some straightforward tips and crafty tricks to get you there, built for your experience and no-nonsense approach.
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Dial in Your Setup for Maximum Power
Your setup is the foundation of a monster bench—get it right, and you’re already ahead. Plant your feet wide, flat on the floor, and drive through them like you’re trying to crack the platform. Grip the bar just outside shoulder-width—too wide, and you’re leaking power; too narrow, and you’re frying your shoulders. Retract your shoulder blades hard, pinning them together and down like you’re clamping a quarter between them, and keep that upper back tight. Arch your lower back slightly, butt glued to the bench, to shorten the range of motion and take stress off your joints. A dialed-in setup can add 5–25 lbs to your lift instantly by channeling every ounce of your strength into the press.
Harness Leg Drive Like a Pro
Here’s a pro move you might already know but can always refine: your legs aren’t just for standing there. Use leg drive to amplify your bench. As you press the bar up, push your feet into the ground, firing up your quads and glutes. This creates full-body tension, giving you a stable base to drive through your sticking points. It’s like tapping into a hidden power source—your lower body fuels your upper body, letting you grind out that extra rep. Done right, this can sneak 5 lbs onto your bench without changing a thing about your upper body strength.
Supercharge with EuphoriQ V2 for That Extra Edge
You know the value of a solid pre-workout, so grab EuphoriQ V2 to take your bench session to the next level. With 6g of L-citrulline and 1.5g of NO3-T betaine nitrate delivering 525mg of nitrates, it’s loaded with pump ingredients that boost nitric oxide production and blood flow. That means more oxygen and nutrients flooding your pecs, delts, and triceps, giving you the endurance to push heavier weights without gassing out. Take it 30 minutes before your session, and you’ll feel your muscles swell with a pump that not only looks beastly but helps you press more. This can easily add a few pounds to your lift while keeping you locked in for the grind.
Build Explosive Strength with Paused Reps
Add some paused bench presses to your routine to build raw power. Lower the bar to your chest, hold it there for a 1–2 second count, then explode upward. This eliminates the stretch reflex—no bouncing allowed—forcing your muscles to generate force from a dead stop. It strengthens your weakest point (usually the bottom of the lift) and trains you to drive harder. Throw in 2–3 sets of 3–5 paused reps at 70–80% of your 1RM once a week. After a few sessions, you’ll notice your regular bench feels smoother, and that extra 10 lbs will start to feel within reach.
Micro-Load for Relentless Progress
You’re no stranger to progressive overload, but here’s a sneaky way to keep it rolling: micro-loading. Use fractional plates—1.25 lbs or 2.5 lbs per side—to creep up on that 25-lb goal. Add just 2.5 lbs to each side (5 lbs total) each week. It’s a small enough jump that your body adapts without a hitch, but over a couple of weeks, you’ll hit an easy 10-lb increase without risking injury or stalling out. If your gym doesn’t have micro-plates, grab some magnetic ones online—they’re a bodybuilder’s best friend for steady gains.
Bonus: Get in the Zone with a Ritual
You’ve been around the block, so you know mindset matters. Before you unrack, run through a quick ritual to lock in. Visualize the lift—see the bar flying up, feel the plates clanging, and imagine the respect from your gym crew. Take 3 deep breaths, crank up your go-to lifting track (maybe some old-school DMX), and channel that OG energy. This mental prep spikes your adrenaline and sharpens your focus, giving you the edge to crush that heavier weight. You’re not just lifting—you’re putting on a show, and that extra 10 lbs is your encore.
Bring It All Together
Lock in your setup and leg drive to maximize your power from the jump. Fuel up with EuphoriQ to get that pump and endurance boost. Add paused reps and micro-loading to your training to build strength and sneak up on your goal. And don’t skip the mental game—get in the zone like the OG you are. With these tips, you’ll be benching 10 lbs more in no time, cementing your status as a bodybuilding beast who’s still got plenty of gains to make.
