Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This setup combines a regular barbell bench press with directional AND accommodating resistance.
Why not just use more weight on the bench press? Why add the other stuff in?
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fitstep.com/goto/mass/youtube.htm
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1. Accommodating resistance in the bench press means you get less resistance at the bottom and more at the top. This accommodates the strength curve of the exercise.
2. Directional resistance here means the angle of the bands is actually putting tension on the UPPER chest fibers as well, because of their direction of pull.
In this case, the tension is both on the hands (you have to PULL up and back against the bands and weight...the upper chest fibers are more pull than push) AND on the bar (in order to keep the bar path good for the flat bench, you have to exert tension against the pull of the bands and weight.
The combination really maximizes the overall tension you're putting on the chest.
It increases instability, though that's more just a side effect rather than a goal...I'd rather have it more stable, tbh, but that's how bands work.
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Nick Nilsson – Mad Scientist of Muscle
Topics covered on this channel include unconventional exercises, muscle specialization training, hypertrophy methods, gym equipment reviews and advanced strength training techniques.
This setup combines a regular barbell bench press with directional AND accommodating resistance.
Why not just use more weight on the bench press? Why add the other stuff in?
----------------
Get my FREE Mass Targeting Specialization guide:
fitstep.com/goto/mass/youtube.htm
----------------
1. Accommodating resistance in the bench press means you get less resistance at the bottom and more at the top. This accommodates the strength curve of the exercise.
2. Directional resistance here means the angle of the bands is actually putting tension on the UPPER chest fibers as well, because of their direction of pull.
In this case, the tension is both on the hands (you have to PULL up and back against the bands and weight...the upper chest fibers are more pull than push) AND on the bar (in order to keep the bar path good for the flat bench, you have to exert tension against the pull of the bands and weight.
The combination really maximizes the overall tension you're putting on the chest.
It increases instability, though that's more just a side effect rather than a goal...I'd rather have it more stable, tbh, but that's how bands work.
FOLLOW ME
YouTube ► youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=nilssonnick
TikTok ► tiktok.com/@madscientistofmuscle
Instagram ► instagram.com/nicknilsson1
Facebook ► facebook.com/nicknilssonmadscientist
Nick Nilsson – Mad Scientist of Muscle
Topics covered on this channel include unconventional exercises, muscle specialization training, hypertrophy methods, gym equipment reviews and advanced strength training techniques.
