Westside Barbell: Bench Press Secrets

We’re honoring Louie Simmons on the 3rd anniversary of his passing by sharing this upscaled VHS/DVD of Westside Barbell's Bench Press Secrets, released back in 1998. Although the footage dates back several years, it’s packed with timeless gems that continue to define Westside Barbell’s approach to training. Discover how the Conjugate Method propelled Westside from having zero 600-pound benchers to producing multiple 600+ (and even a 728-pound) bench record! Louie breaks down why speed work (Dynamic Effort Method) and max effort days form the foundation of his program, how chains, bands, and specialty bars blast through sticking points, and why accessories like JM presses, dumbbell extensions, and ring push-ups are essential for building raw bench power. If you’re looking to bench big, these Westside principles will take your training to the next level. Vist our site for more: https://www.westside-barbell.com/ TIMESTAMPS 0:00:19 – Introduction & Westside Bench Press Achievements 0:02:37 – Speed Workout Overview 0:13:21 – Speed Workout Recap (Sets, Percentages, Rest Times) 0:15:10 – Bench Grip & Form Tips 0:17:15 – Adding Chains, Bands & Weight Releasers 0:21:20 – Board Press & Max Effort Overview 0:24:30 – Floor Press Variation 0:28:30 – Rack Lockouts & Seated Overhead Press 0:32:40 – Cambered Bar, Incline & Decline Press 0:35:45 – Dumbbell Press Variations 0:38:43 – Stability Ball Press & Ring Push-ups 0:41:58 – Triceps Exercises (JM Press, Extensions, Pushdowns) 0:48:08 – Shoulder Work (Raises, Bradford Press, Rear Delts) 0:52:05 – Dumbbell Power Cleans & Barbell Rows 0:56:00 – Lat Machine Work (Wide Grip, V-Bar, External Rotation) 1:00:00 – Face Pulls & External Rotation Drills 1:01:55 – Chest-Supported Rows 1:02:30 – Band Pull-Down for Bench Shirt Practice 1:03:00 – Speed & Max Effort Recap 1:07:09 – Final Heavy Press Demonstrations Like this video to support Louie’s lasting legacy. Comment below with your biggest bench goal or a memorable Louie story. Subscribe for more Westside Barbell content and powerful training insights. May Louie’s lessons continue to inspire every lifter to push their limits. #WestsideBarbell #LouieSimmons #BenchPress #DynamicEffort #MaxEffort #Powerlifting #StrengthTraining #ConjugateMethod #ChainsAndBands #GymMotivation