Furches,
I was reading the post you put out about Earl Jones. The bench is an enteresting excercise, because most people don't understand that the chest muscle is not just one muscle it's a combination of several muscles. They all tie into the shoulder and neck. In wrestling they can be used for snapping of the head and also body locking when trying to throw. Bench press not only works the chest but also the triceps and biceps. Triceps are used in almost every move you make with the upper body. That kind of explains the importance of benching in wrestling. My hat's off to Earl, not too many people are dedicated enough to achieve such goals. The most unconditioned and overlooked muscles are the hips and lower back muscles. As always in wrestling controlling the hips is vital for control of another person. But he needs to find a way to develop his hips and lower back as well as his upper body with a lot of stretching. I hope Earl is as dedicated to stretching as well as lifting. Alot of lifters, lift to be as tight as possible. Problem one, you are not flexible, and can't move or use a muscle that can't stretch or give when demanded too. The main body parts to consider for developing are 1) Legs for speed, lifting, stability. 2) Arms for control, such as grabbing, blocking, snapping and dragging. 3) Hips and back, for stance, blocking an attack and lifting. It is also good for maintainig a good base when attacked by leg riders. I am a big one on development of the body the natural way also. My motto is "if you can't get it the natural way you don't deserve it". It will come to you if you are patient and willing to put in the Time, Work, and Effort to reach your goal. I will say this one last thing and then let you go. If someone out there thinks that this is a bunch of bologna. Just imagine me at 15 yrs old and weighing 92 lbs and building my self up to what I am today.
Coach Ed
