Whether you're new to working out or a gym-going vet, you've likely been the recipient of the question, "How much do you bench?" For decades, the bench press — which has you lay on your back, lower a ...

Over time, this improves bar path control, increases pressing power off the chest, and translates to lifting heavier weights.

The bench press is the end all, be all for lots of guys in the gym. Want to prove you're strong to your average meathead? Slap some plates on the barbell, slide onto the bench, and move that weight.

Planning to hit the gym during rush hour? You'll have much better luck finding an open elliptical machine than a bench press, squat rack or 30-pound dumbbells. Strength training — also called weight ...