Bench pressing super-heavy weights can be intimidating for many people — especially women. Not only can it seem dangerous and possibly too difficult, but oftentimes women worry that lifting heavy weights can make them bulk up in places they don’t want to.
Luckily Chelsea Handler is here to school us all on the importance of embracing barbells and bench presses in all of their glory. The 43-year-old shared an impressive video of herself strengthening her upper body, and it will inspire you to step up your workout game.
“Today is international bench day,” the actress wrote on Instagram along with her intense exercise video. “Even though I’m from New Jersey, my trainer had to tell me. He may as well be from New Jersey,” she joked about celebrity trainer Ben Bruno.
Handler, who has been outspoken throughout the midterm election season, used her eye-catching video to urge her fans to vote. "I need to be strong for tomorrow, and I need extra strength for people who have lost theirs. Tomorrow is going to be a big day. Make sure you are part of it!"
While it is unclear exactly how much weight Handler was pressing, the barbell alone could weigh 35 or 45 pounds, and judging by the size of the plates—it could be a significant amount. But is all the exertion, sweat, and post-workout soreness worth it? Oh yeah, especially for women.
If you don’t feel comfortable using a barbell like Handler, you can also use dumbbells. And obviously, don't feel as though you need to go all out beast-mode like Handler — especially if you are attempting to execute the moves without a trainer or fitness expert guiding you.
In case you want to learn some other effective chest exercises — like the chest fly, straight arm pullover, and incline pushups — learn about them here.
