![Siegmund Klein: How Much Can You Bent Press? [1936]](https://simplexstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/siegmund-klein-how-much-can-you-bent-press-1080x675.jpg)
I believe that the greatest mistake weight lifters have made is their ignoring of the Bent Press. There is no lift that calls forth the admiration of athletes as does this lift. It is more fascinating than any in the 40 odd lifts weight men have been practicing for the past 50 years, yet it is seen so little today that unless something is done to revive interest in the bent press it will soon be nothing but a faded memory.
The above photograph is the only one which has been published showing me with the bell at the shoulder in the act of pressing. In it I show how to take up a firm position with the feet, and it will be noticed that the right leg is straight contrary to the position generally assumed by the beginner attempting to learn the body press, and even by many a lifter who has had years of experience. In the photograph I show exactly where the elbow should be placed, and it does not require much imagination to gain a correct idea of how the body should fall in the downward direction.
![Harold Ansorge: Systematic Practice the Bent Press – 21 Pointers [1943]](https://simplexstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/how-to-bent-press-correctly-harold-ansorge.jpg)
In practicing the bent press, I would recommend that you start at a low poundage and work up to near your limit: Each time you lift, think of only one pointer and do that correctly. Forget about all the other ones. This will make it so you will be able to perform this one pointer without thinking of it. Then, take another one, etc.
I am listing a number of pointers that you should master before you consider your style correct:
Great physical power is needed to properly master a heavy weight in the bent press position. I believe this lift to be the most rapid builder of physical power of any lift in the weightlifting field! It surely does a great deal to encourage all-around strength!
10 photos with detailed commentary by one of the last masters of bent press, legendary Siegmund Klein,from his excellent booklet How to Bent Press (1938)!
