: Effect of band around arms when bench pressing I worked out with some guys at my gym last night that introduced me to wearing a band just above the elbows (on the humerus) Below is a picture that partially resembles how I

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This strategy looks like an emulation of the effect of a slingshot, a device which mainly sees use with people benching heavier weights (300+). I have not used this device, but I've spoken with users and they recommended it, mainly for dealing with shoulder injuries. When a shoulder injury occurs, especially for people benching these sorts of weights, it becomes difficult to do heavy reps as part of a workout, and the shoulder injury can become the limiting factor rather than the person's strength. According to the about section of the linked website, the slingshot (and presumably the band)

work by stretching with you as you lower the weight to your chest, then when you are at the bottom of the lift, the Sling Shot gives you a little extra spring that allows you to get the weight moving again and complete the lift.

One of the users I spoke with benches 450+, and he said he doubted the product at first, but then stated that it allowed him to work through a shoulder injury which had limited him to reps at 225. Assuming that this band strategy is as effective as the slingshot, I would say that it makes sense for use when dealing with heavy reps, especially when recently injured, but in other scenarios may unnecessarily change parts of the motion.