Maximum grip width regulations in powerlifting discriminate against larger athletes

Adjustment of the incline of the bench brings about selective development of the upper and lower chest (Glass and Armstrong, 1997), and grip width has been shown to affect the contribution of upper-body muscle groups to the exercise (Clemons and Aaron, 1997). For example the discus thrower is able to develop the pectoral area by employing a wider grip width which increases the contribution of the pectoral muscle group and the shot putter is able to develop triceps strength by using a narrower grip width and forcing a greater contribution from the triceps (Wagner et al., 1992).