Top Ten Gifts For Those Who Want To Press BIG!
Let’s face it, pressing big is cool. I have never been out in public and been asked, “So, how much do you squat?” But I sure do love being asked, “How much do you bench?” My best equipped bench is 850 lbs and my best raw is 605 lbs. Now, as much as I adore the supine press (which is what Wendler calls the bench press), I have to give a big nod to the overhead lifts. Oh yeah, I have done a few of those also, with my biggest being a 405 lb strict press in competition. Overhead pressing helps build a massive upper body, which certainly lends itself to benching. Whether you have a big press, or want one, here’s a list of items, which will improve it.
El Gordo – Directly translates to “the fat one.” How awesome is that? Training with the fat bar is great for switching up exercises. It also makes you bigger all over. The more you have to grip, the more tension you create throughout your arms and upper body. So El Gordo will make you bigger and stronger. Plus, the fat bar will give you manly forearms (but you have to provide the hair).
The 36×6 EFS Black Foam Roller – is essential for achieving a bigger press. You can’t abuse your body day in and day out without working on recovery. I get on my foam roller at least three times a week. Rolling out bumps and bruises is incredibly important, but what I find equally beneficial is the resulting stretch from getting in and out of the various positions to roll out my upper and lower body.
The EFS Deluxe Competition Bench – ‘Dear Santa Tate, I have been an excellent EliteFTS team member this year. Could you please stuff this bench pressing piece of art down my chimney?’ Seriously, and I am really serious, Dave, I want one! How could any self respecting EFS gear whore want to bench on anything less? From the thick non slip pad, to the weight trees, band pegs, the wide back, walk through liftoff platform, and face savers, etc. Tears are actually running down my oversized bloated cheeks as I type. I have lifted on this bench multiple times and you really can’t ask for a better bench.
Blast Straps – These are probably the most versatile pieces of equipment that EliteFTS sells. Whether you use them for warming up or assistance, there’s an endless combination of exercises you can do, using nothing more than your own bodyweight. A great advantage of using the straps is that you can increase and decrease the amount of tension you need, without ever having to change a plate.
The EFS Bench Press T-Shirt – Come on, this stuff is starting to write itself. The shirt tells the world you either bench big or you want to. Either is cool in my book. Plus if you buy it in Kroc medium, you might actually get some rebound out of it.
Dragging Sled – This is another multi-purpose tool in your training arsenal. I use mine for conditioning and recovery. The day after a grueling bench session, I’ll perform a variety of upper body movements such as presses, extensions, flies, and rows, etc. Keep the weight light and the volume high to stimulate recovery. For conditioning, just load it up and drag away. Before I started conditioning, I didn’t have the muscular endurance to do my best at competitions. Now, I can breeze through my bench attempts.
7” Bench Log – This is a genius piece of equipment, so belly up to the bar boys and girls. Log pressing builds massive shoulders. In addition, this log is rackable which makes it a great lockout tool. There are some big differences between using a log and a regular barbell. The size of the log reduces the range of motion, which can really save your shoulders. Plus, the parallel handles hit your muscles at different angles which is a must in training. This should be on every big presser’s wish list.
Super Heavy Wrist Wraps – Whether you are pressing the weight off your chest or over your head, you need to wrap your wrists. I have worn just about every type of wrap over the years and nothing comes close to the cast like wrap these bad boys can give your wrists. Make sure to wrap up the back of your hand a bit, for even more support. Save your wrists for the more important work.
The Metal Ace Pro Bench Shirt – Pound for pound, I have put up my best equipped press in this bench shirt; I hit an 830 lb bench in the 275 lb weight class. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, this is the most supportive and durable bench shirt I have ever worn. In two years of use, there was never even a pop in the stitching. In a time when things seem to be made to wear out, you’ll probably wear yourself out before your Metal Ace Pro Bench Shirt will.
Texas Power Bar – Last, but far from least, is a good bench bar. When you are pushing big weights, you need the stability of a quality bar like the Texas Power Bar. I use one in my own home gym. I actually throw it in the car when I go to gyms I know don’t have a good bar. Cheap bars bend easily and are a hazard to lift with. They can wreak havoc on your wrists, and even roll in your hands. You can’t build a massive press from a hospital bed. You can use your Texas Power Bar to squat and deadlift as well, if you like that sort of thing.
So there you have it folks, some of the best tools to build a bigger bench. I have used every item on this list and can recommend each of them highly. So start collecting and you’ll get stronger as you do. I can’t guarantee you’ll hit Dizenzo like numbers, but it will sure be fun trying. You can thank me by telling me all about your new personal records. SFW!
PDF 
Vincent Dizenzo began competing as an amateur full meet lifter in the 220 pound class. Two ruptured discs caused him to focus on the bench press and he eventually become a top-ranked bencher. His best bench is 830 pounds in the 275 class and 850 in the 308 class. He has a raw bench of 605 pounds as a super heavyweight and 600 pounds in the 308 weight class. Vincent won Bench America and has competed in the Arnold Classic. He has also competed in strongman competitions. Vincent is the host of the Just Big radio show.
View Vincent’s Training Log 
How do you use the foam roller for the upper body? I’ve only ever used mine for lower body and back.
@ Brandon, I roll out my lats, triceps, pecs, and shoulders. Do some googling, you’ll find the exercises pretty quickly. Your body will thank you.
I don’t celebrate Christmas,but I definitley want one of everything on the list.Oh yeah , I always get what I want, by the way!!