Bench press question: Do I need a new bench?

[TameRacingDriver]

Basically, my current bench is one that is too tall so I can’t place my feet on the ground. Instead it has a footrest type thing. However, this means that it’s not quite a stable as a bench where you can press your feet into the ground.

This is the bench in question

So my question are:-

Is this holding me back?
Would I be able to bench more if I can put my feet on the ground? Or does it not matter?
Could it be argued that the lack of stability might actually make it a better exercise?

Any thoughts?

[rog007]

My experience is that for training, I prefer my feet up on on the bench. If going for single or double max lifts, then it is feet on the ground for safety and greater stability.

If you’re only doing the former, then you may be ok with your bench.

[TameRacingDriver]

Yeah its just for bog standard training, nothing special just flat benching.

[didelydoo]

Feet on the ground is my preference. Can you not put down blocks to put your feet on, effectively the same as the ground?

No problem with feet up benching tbh, but it’s not optimal imo.

[anonymous-user]

I benched feet up for several months a few years ago and whilst it certainly compromised the amount of weight I could use it brought all the wee 'satellite' muscles into play and hit chest, triceps and front delts much deeper than feet down. Very good for core also.

[ChocolateFrog]

A standard bench press will be stronger than a para bench lift, which sounds a bit like what you describe.

Although the difference is likely to be around 5% so not ground breaking.

[popeyewhite]

Safer with feet on the ground. You'll be using just as many other muscles as feet up, just slightly different ones that mean you'll lift more with your chest and be less concerned about balancing on the bench.