Powerlifting vs Bodybuilding Bench Press Not all bench presses are created equal. • Powerlifting bench press: The objective is to move the heaviest load possible. The setup is designed to use as much of the body as possible, reducing the role of the pecs by bringing in the legs, back, and shoulders. Elbows are tucked to protect the shoulders and to keep the pecs in their mid-range, where they are strongest. • Bodybuilding bench press: The objective is hypertrophy, not load. Here, we want the pec