Pro Powerlifter &
Personal Trainer

Since October 2005, I have worn the same type of bench press shirt.

From Interview with Powerlifting Icon Richie Briggs:

• Critical Bench: Do you think using bench shirts/gear are cheating?

No, it is like football to rugby, geared lifting is alot more finesse than raw lifting. Guys that play rugby usally dont have any teeth, guys who lift raw usally are hurt, or crippled when they are older. Rick is an example of it he walks around in pain all the time and I just don't see that with guys now that have used shirts and suits, but I would like to say I feel alot of raw lifters and "drug free" lifters only say that so they can say that they are the best in that divison. I like the A.P.F. because you have all your cards on the table and the only federation that is "drug free" is the USPL the IPF which is drug tested. This means they know some people will always get through the drug test.

Forum Posts:

• Richie Briggs who is perhaps in the top 5 benchers are around internationally right now, the hits numbers after numbers and hardly ever bombs, has been using the same shirt (not the same type) but the same exact stank old raggety shirt for two years now. The only thing that changes over time is he gets stronger and better in the shirt.
   
• If you want to master the shirt you have to practice in the shirt.