Is Arching Your Back While Benching Bad?

A | It's actually healthier if you maintain a slight arch while bench pressing because your lower back is naturally curved. ... “If your spine is completely flat on the bench, your shoulders will roll forward,” he says. Arching is not only healthy; if done right, it can also enhance performance.

Is arching your back while benching cheating?

There's always a risk of injury, but in regards to arching specifically, this is often due to improper form (excessive arch & mobility issues) and preexisting back problems, not simply arching itself. Whether an arch is considered “cheating” is completely dependent on who's viewing the bench press.

Should you arch your back when you incline bench?

The incline bench press however, bears no relevance at all and those doing this need to re-evaluate their technique and form. Whilst arching your back can generally allow you to shift more resistance, it also alters the angle of the movement; so much so that it may as well be a flat bench press once again.