New to this site, was wondering what you guys think about partial reps on the bench press (yawn I know). I have found in the past month that doing partial bp reps has really helped my strength alot even during hard times at work where Im there almost 24 7.

The BP has always been my weakest lift growing up but no at 22 Ive built a respectable one at 335 (raw no spotter) at only 5'7 180 pounds. Anyway My strength in that particular lift had come to a screching halt for about 3 months (I havent been able to get 335 in that time, only 325), so I decideed to change something up.

The biggest problem I have is, the obvious, getting past the sticking point when I do the BP reps, and when trying to bang out 4 sets of 5 reps I seem to get tired and not be able to complete all the reps even though I feel like i really have the strength to do it. BUT....I started doing the reps from my chest only up to the sticking points most difficult part(a few inches from lockout), then bring it back down and completing more reps.

IDK why but this has REALLY shown me some improvements in two weeks(mental? idk). NO I dont just raise it two inches off my chest and call it a rep I take it pretty high, but by only doing it partially I feel like i really save energy and prevent my triceps from failing at the top. I maxed out at 340 yesterday, a lift I thought I would never ever do seriously.

If I can get them to let me bring someone into the gym w/ me Ill post a vid for some form critique (no one other than members are allowed and only ppl over 40 go there lol). Anyway these partial reps have really really helped and no Im scared to do partials with the top half of the lift with scary weight cuz I have no spotters lol.

What u guys think of partial reps that I do? Anyone tried em? Experienced answers appreciated....

Okay, so to summarize... you're 180 pounds with a 325 bench currently (nice work, by the way) and you're pleasantly surprised that doing partials where you avoid your weak point allows you to lift heavier? Does that about cover it?

Partials are one way of dealing with a sticking point, but usually you work from the sticking point up, you don't just train in the strongest zone and ignore the issue that's holding you back. By doing what you're doing, you're actually encouraging the difference between your strongest ROM and your weakest.

If you can use a power rack to safely work the top ROM, do it. Or you could try setting the safety pins on the bench at your sticking point, so that you're only training from there up. Floor presses would be your other safest bet.

You could also try looking around the Powerlifting forum here. I'm sure they'd be able to give you some solid advice.

Check Dave Tate's video and article to address your problem in six weeks, since you already spent three months plateaued.
http://www.tmuscle.com/...ench_press_cure

Review your technique, as per his tips, and consider using his program as your upper body training twice a week.