Benching with mild pectus excavatum

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. It’s probably a better question for a doctor. I’m leaning towards just keep training normally until issues arise, but I really don’t know.

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Pediatrician examined and said it’s nothing to worry about. More severe cases can cause trouble breathing.

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It’s possible his bench is stagnant because of a technique issue

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I think his technique is okay, he just has very little pectoral development.

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Sometimes you just need to spend more time with lighter loads and progress slowly.

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Yesterday when he failed a set I had him back and off and do a higher rep set.

I’ve never been one for accessory exercises, but I’m assuming he could be doing DB rows or something to help.

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How old is he? How much does he weigh? Bench can be very slow to progress, especially if they weigh like 120lbs

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14 and about that weight.

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I think his technique is okay, he just has very little pectoral development

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Bench press leans more towards triceps than chest. If he can get at least a few inches off his chest, it could be a tricep weakness. He’s also only 14. I don’t think that the numbers with the big matter at that age nearly as much as overall development and movement quality.

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He’s also only 14. I don’t think that the numbers with the big matter at that age nearly as much as overall development and movement quality

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I agree. I’m asking about bench because he is pissed it’s not moving. I don’t care what he benches except how it relates to success in the sports he wants to play.

I made the comment about his pec development based on the eye test.

I keep telling him to eat.

He’s just doing a novice linear progression with squat, deadlift, bench, press.

Along with chin-ups kind of randomly

Get him on SS + GOMAD

I have mild PE, and it's never really bothered me when I was benching.

I don't know if he's ever gotten a Haller Index measured for his, but mine is a 2.74, severe cases are usually 3.25 or higher.

I've been skinny most of my adult life, and my bench was pretty medicore at best. I've put on about 30 pounds in the last 4 years going from 155 to 185, and my bench has gone from 145 to 240 in that time.

It might just be a weight issue. I see he weighs 120, that's definitely it. He'll get a stronger bench when he puts on weight.

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When I brought him to the pediatrician, he said it’s nothing to worry about and didn’t mention the haller index.

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That's not surprising. In my experience most physicians have no idea what PE really is. I only learned about the haller index when I was getting testing done to possibly have a surgery to correct it.

If you want to learn more about PE, I suggest visiting Pectus. It's a really informative website, and a great community for other people with PE.

I've never felt like PE limited me physically, did wresting in High School and for LSU's club team. Also ran 5k and 10ks post college. I do think even mild PE does impact lung capacity though, and I've noticed when I do run I typically get tired quicker than other people.

PE has affected me mentally for most of my life though, also one of the reasons I thought about having surgery for it. I never took my shirt off around people, and it was pretty much the first thing I told girls about before we ever got physical.

If he's worried about Pec Development, I would just reiterate to him that he's young and he's still developing. Once he puts on weight his pecs will develop. They'll never be like what he see in the movies or in advertisements, but he can still be happy with his body if he puts in the effort.