In fitness and bodybuilding, many people have different views and ways of doing things. Where the pursuit of gains sometimes blurs the lines between ambition and reckless endangerment. Such was the case with 23-year-old English bodybuilder Ryan “Big Rig” Crowley. His Instagram-documented bench press accident left him with a detached tendon, shaking the fitness community to its core.

Crowley’s harrowing mishap occurred in a gym in Dubai as he attempted to bench press 485 pounds. A gut-wrenching bang resounded, signaling the tear of his right chest muscle. The video, which is hard to watch, became very popular and made people talk about the risks of this famous exercise again.

The viewpoint of Greg Doucette and Eric Janicki on bench press

Two influential voices in bodybuilding, IFBB Pro Coach Greg Doucette and elite powerlifter Eric Janicki engaged in a recent YouTube video of Greg Doucette titled, ‘The Bench Press Is Not A Good Exercise’. Doucette strongly supported the bench press, calling it the “king of chest exercises.” For him, benching harder each time is the proven path to a chiseled chest.

Janicki, however, took a totally distinct stand. Using scientific evidence and personal experience, he assigned the bench press a “D-grade” in bodybuilding efficacy. He argued that it doesn’t offer the best range of motion. He said it is excessively risky and tends to be an “ego exercise” that people perform for bragging rights rather than muscle development.

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Even as Doucette stood by traditional benchmarks of fitness, Janicki called for a paradigm shift. He encouraged people who love working out to try exercises that are better for muscle growth, keep their muscles working longer, and are less risky. Basically, exercises that are not the bench press.

The future of chest workouts in bodybuilding

Janicki further emphasized the drawbacks of the bench press. He talked about the effects of bench press such as stress on the biceps, front deltoids, and PEC minors. “Why do you think Hammer Strength machines, developed after hundreds of millions of dollars in research, don’t have handles like bench press bars?” he pointed out, advocating for the importance of exercise ergonomics.

Hammer Strength’s designs, which diverge from traditional setups, offer compelling evidence in Janicki’s favor. These machines are built to provide a safer yet effective chest workout. He also emphasized that their increasing popularity may well signal a changing tide in bodybuilding practices.

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In the wake of a shocking injury to a young bodybuilder, the fitness community is divided over the safety and effectiveness of the bench press. While some experts insist it’s the king of chest exercises. But others argue it’s too risky and not the best for muscle growth. This debate highlights the need for careful consideration and perhaps a reevaluation of this classic workout.