Q&A: Bench Back Cramps, Behind the Neck Press, and More!

Matt and Scott are back with another round of Thursday Q&A. If you’d like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we’ll feature you on a future Q&A episode!

Episode Summary

Matt and Scott answer listener questions about back cramps after benching, the behind-the-neck press, running a novice linear progression every other day, and more.

Topics covered

• Back cramps after bench: why the upper or lower back sometimes cramps during or after benching.
• Behind-the-neck press: how this variation compares with the standard overhead press.
• LP every other day: whether spacing out novice workouts can work for lifters with limited schedules or recovery.
• And more: additional listener questions.

Cramps after benching can come from setting a hard arch, dehydration, or simply unfamiliar effort. They tend to fade as the lifter adapts to the position.

A novice linear progression is flexible. Training three days per week is common, but older lifters or people with demanding schedules can often keep making progress with a different rhythm, as long as the weight keeps going up and recovery keeps up.

Have a question of your own? Send it to questions@barbell-logic.com and it may be answered on a future episode.

Key takeaways

• Back cramps after benching often fade as the body adapts to the position.
• Novice LP can be run on more than one schedule.
• Older or busy lifters can still progress with fewer sessions per week.
• As long as the weight goes up and recovery keeps pace, the program works.

Q&A episodes like this one are a good way to hear how Barbell Logic coaches think through real problems that lifters run into. If one of the topics above matches what you’re dealing with, listen to that segment, then apply the advice to your own training. A good coach can help you sort out which changes make sense for you.

Want a coach to answer your questions and guide your training week to week? Learn more about Barbell Logic online strength coaching.