Understanding the Slingshot

The slingshot is a specialized piece of equipment designed to enhance strength training, particularly for exercises like bench presses and push-ups. Developed by powerlifter Mark Bell, it supports lifters by offloading some of the strain on the shoulders and elbows, allowing for improved training even in the presence of pain. This tool can enable individuals to lift weights up to 25% above their one-rep max, making it particularly beneficial for those looking to push through plateaus in their strength gains. By mimicking the effects of a bench shirt, the slingshot encourages proper technique and provides substantial tension at the crucial bottom position of these movements.