# Press vs bench

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/press-vs-bench/3350>\
**Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Created:** [September 12, 2018, 11:03am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/press-vs-bench/3350 "2018-09-12T11:03:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![brettkeefer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/brettkeefer/32/1087_2.png) [@brettkeefer](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/brettkeefer)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 11:03am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/press-vs-bench/3350/1 "2018-09-12T11:03:56Z")

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I’ve recently had an awakening that despite benching 3 times a week and trying to get stronger in the bench , I really just don’t enjoy it that much. When I go to put up heavier weight , I struggle to get amped up or excited like I do with ohp squat and deadlift. So I think what I want to do is replace bench with ohp as my main pressing movement. Question is , have you found that there’s any differences in how you program between the 2 being that they’re both pressing movements?

Right now now since it wasn’t a main movement , I’ve had a light day and a heavy day. Just adding 5 pounds to the bar every week , figure I’ll do this until progress stalls and then add in maybe pin presses. As for bench do you feel I should still continue to dabble in heavier weights for increased pressing ability or could I take a completely hypertrophy standpoint with it now

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**Author:** ![Austin\_Baraki](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/austin_baraki/32/1095_2.png) [@Austin\_Baraki](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Austin_Baraki)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 1:37pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/press-vs-bench/3350/2 "2018-09-12T13:37:57Z")

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We tend to program similarly for them, depending on which one a lifter prefers to specialize in. On average, both seem to benefit from higher frequencies, and may benefit from a bit more frequent exposure to higher intensities compared to the squat and deadlift. The amount of variation used is a bit more individualized and up to personal preference. I’d definitely keep at least some bench pressing in the picture, though.

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**Author:** ![brettkeefer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/brettkeefer/32/1087_2.png) [@brettkeefer](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/brettkeefer)\
**Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 1:41pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/press-vs-bench/3350/3 "2018-09-12T13:41:37Z")

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Awesome thanks doc !