💪 Incline Bench Press vs. Flat Bench: Which Reigns Supreme?

We're ending January with a BIG edition of the Ripped Report. Don't believe us? Just look at the size of that Arnold GIF below. We only pull that one out for special occasions. 

The 2023 Arnold Classic is a little over a month away, and bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has chimed in with his pick to take the title this year. 

The flat bench press is the king of all chest exercises. Right? Well, the incline bench press might have something to say about that. 

Pumping Iron is still influencing legions of bodybuilders more than 45 years after its release. And we've got plenty of behind-the-scenes tidbits to share about this cult-favorite docudrama.

2023 ARNOLD CLASSIC

Cutler Picks "The Mutant"

During a recent episode of The Cutler Cast podcast, four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler and esteemed trainer Miloš Šarčev discussed the highly anticipated Arnold Classic bodybuilding show, set for early March. It’s the second most important contest of the year behind the Olympia, and Cutler believes there’s only one man with all the qualities to win it all: Nick Walker. 

“ … I just know Nick’s mindset,” Cutler said. “I know his vision. I know every night before he goes to bed, he’s visualizing winning this competition. And sometimes, you can’t overtake someone’s willpower.”

Walker already won an Arnold Classic back in 2021, so a victory here would further cement him as one of the best in the business and a top Mr. Olympia favorite for 2023. Though Cutler said Big Ramy could pose a threat if he shows up in peak shape, he still expects Walker to reign supreme by the time the dust settles.  

SHOWDOWN

Flat Bench Press vs. Incline Bench 

When it comes to weight room equipment, the bench press station is as close as it gets to holy ground. It’s where first-time gymgoers and full-time powerlifters alike gravitate to build their pecs, bolster their strength, and in some unfortunate cases, measure their egos. 

The standard flat bench press station steals most of the limelight from less-flashy alternatives like the decline or incline stations. But the incline bench press, in particular, might have more going for it than you think.

If you had to pick between them, would the incline bench give you more bang for your buck than the flat bench on International Chest Day? To answer that question, we put each movement under the microscope. Here’s how these two bench variations stack up for strength, size, and more.

MOVIES

How Well Do You Know Pumping Iron?

Anyone who’s ever lifted a weight likely knows about Pumping Iron. The milestone 1977 docudrama, directed by George Butler, introduced bodybuilding to the mainstream and catapulted competitors like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno into the pop-culture zeitgeist.

For newcomers, the movie centers on the lead-up to the 1975 Mr. Olympia show and all the behind-the-scenes drama that goes along with it. Since its debut more than 45 years ago, the movie has been dissected by everyone from film historians and bodybuilding legends to YouTubers who weren’t even born when the movie premiered.

​​But if you’re still hungry for all things Pumping Iron, we’ve got nine facts that should provide even more insight into this iconic piece of moviemaking.

THE DROPSET

A Good Day to Deadlift 

• Should you do deadlifts on leg day or back day? We’ve got your answers. 

• Andrew Jacked is looking primed and ready for the 2023 Arnold Classic. Could he upset Walker? ​​ 

• What are forced reps? We’ve got a full rundown of what they are and how you can use them for your own gains. 

SOUND OFF!

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