Log Bench Vs. Barbell

The barbell bench press is a beginner level exercise and is familiar to most gym-goers. Although the bench press is the exercise that most people use to judge overall strength, there are many variations, including the log bench press. Both types provide their own unique set of risks and benefits.

All About the Bench Press

The bench press is performed while lying down on a bench. The bar is taken from the rack with an overhand grip and the bar is slowly lowered until it touches the chest and then pressed back up to the starting position. The targeted muscles are the pectorals on your chest, the anterior deltoids on the front of your shoulder and your triceps on the back of your arm.

Bench Pressing a Log

The log bench uses a log that has cut-outs with handles inside. Sometimes the handles are the same overhand grip that is used for the bench press but more often, they have handles where the palms grip and face each other. The most common way to use a log is to press it over your head, which uses the same muscles as a regular bench press but with more deltoid emphasis. The log bench press, however, uses the same muscles in the same proportion as a regular bench press.

Log Bench vs Regular Bench Press

A benefit of the log bench is that the thickness of the log prevents you from lowering the log as far as a barbell, which is ideal for someone with limited flexibility. The size of the log and the weight being distributed throughout the log can be difficult to balance, however, which can quite easily lead to injury if proper form is not maintained. In the barbell bench press, on the other hand, the weight is concentrated and balanced at each end of the barbell, which makes it a bit easier to manage. Nearly every gym has a bench press station, so the equipment is more readily available than for a log bench. It is easy to overdo the bench press and use a grip that is too wide, thereby, compromising your shoulders.

Pressing Considerations

Before bench pressing, with a log or a bar, warm up by doing five to 10 minutes of light cardio to raise your body temperature and start a light sweat. Start with three or four very light sets before beginning your heavier working sets. Always have a spotter when you bench press. During the workout, stop if there is any pain or shoulder discomfort as a result of the exercise.