The make shift jammer setup provides 10 unique benefits.
1. Provides a standing press that includes 2 force vectors namely a horizontal force vector as well as a slight vertical force vector. That’s because you’re moving out and slightly up along a semi-circular path due to the rotational motion of the barbell produced by the unique hanging setup.
2. Provides a standing press that mimics the classic jammer move yet also includes an element of instability similar to free weights as opposed to the jammer machine which essentially involves a fixed path with minimal if any stabilization required. Simply, it’s the classic iron game scenario of free weights (in this case the makeshift jammer) vs machines (i.e. the classic jammer machine).
3.Allows easy height adjustments to simulate different pressing positions as well as different muscle groups. A lower position will more closely mimic a flat or decline press while adjusting the straps to a higher setting will more close mimic an incline pressing position.
4. Provides greater versatility and options for standing presses as the lifter can perform split stance variations, squatting variations, lunging presses, single arm variations, single leg presses, leg drive variations, split jerk variations, and more.
5. Allows the user to select the grip width that feels most natural as they can essentially use any grip width they desire in contrast to the jammer machine which has a preset grip width that typically is not adjustable.
6. Provides a strength curve that more closely matches that of our body similar to accommodating resistance. Simply, the farther out the lifter presses the barbell toward the end concentric position, the greater the tension and rotational torque produced that essentially wants to drive the bar back to its initial starting position. In other words, as one presses out and the orientation of the straps becomes more parallel to the ground, the force of gravity acts to provide increasing tension.
7. Provides a more joint friendly pressing option. As noted above, the strength curve is such that the weaker bottom position is deloaded with less tension relative to the stronger top position which is placed under greater tension and overloaded.
8. Involves greater core stabilization and full body motor control.
9. Exposes asymmetries and imbalances as the bar will likely tilt and or twist if the lifter presses with faulty mechanics.
10. Allows very smooth tension adjustments by simply adjusting your body position relative to the axis of rotation. The further out you step the greater the tension. Similarly, stepping back just a few inches can provide a significant reduction in tension ultimately allowing the lifter to fine-tune the exact level of tension. This also allows for seamless implementation of micro biomechanical drop sets whereby the lifter, as they fatigue, can simply step back every few reps during the set and decrease the tension to match their muscular fatigue.
