weight benches?

You should train all muscle groups to avoid any imbalances. Upper body exercises should definitely be included, but the protocol that you use to train those muscles may differ from other muscle groups. What is your current training experience?....

While a bench can be helpful, especially to perform a variety of lower body exercises, I rarely have my athletes sitting, or laying down.

The majorty of your workout should be on your feet.

To follow what MAXX asked, what does your training look like?

my son is 15 yr old, 6'1'' 140 lb. freshman.
i just bought him weights and the "unbreakable abs" dvd. what specific weight program could you recommend to help him get ready for spring baseball?

In addition to work found in Unbreakable Abs, Focus on a program based upon squatting, deadlifting, power cleans, power snatches, pullups, push presses & posterior chain work.

A variety of mediums should be used and bar speed, not weight on bar, should be emphasis of training.

thanks for your advice. i can assume it doesn't matter that he is also a pitcher and that these
excercises apply to that as well?

Get a power rack or a squat rack instead of a weight bench. It's more expensive but is much more useful. Some power racks even come with benches but I'm not sure how common this is.

igball, do you or your son have any training in the lifts that Jon recommended? If not I would suggest getting a hold of Jon and checking out his cd that demonstrate these lifts or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to get you started on the proper form and technique. Jon has a tremendous program but at the same time these lifts could hurt you if you do not know what you are doing. We also have used the unbreakable abs and really like the program as well. Good Luck

Yes, exercises are the same for the most part. A squat/power rack, as upstate suggested, is a great training tool and I suggest one as well.

As 2bagger suggested you certainly need to learn correct technique in weight training. While it's not rocket science, most do seem to mess it up. Once you have a few basic movement patterns down your son will be able to advance rapidly.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Sorry I havent checked this for awhile...
as for my weight training experiences, I would consider myself a beginner. I go to the gym 4 times a week and do all kinds of whole body workouts. The only problem is is that I don't do some of the good exercises like powercleans and snatches b/c I dont know the technique. However, I have gained 12 lbs. since I started lifting consistently this fall.

Shortstop, find a teacher or coach who can teach you these lifts......

As for power racks, a lot of times you can find them really cheap on Ebay. People are always getting rid of their old racks. I actually picked one up for free from my local college that was renovating their weight room. I painted it and it's just like new. If you can't find a used one, I find that ProMaxima sells quality equipment for really inexpensive prices. I order a lot of stuff for our school thru them. www.promaximamfg.com

Maxx, Good call on ProMaxima. I was just lifting on of their platforms this morning and the quality is excellent.

Shortstop, I know an excellent coach in Seattle that can help you with those lifts. PM me if you are interested and I will give you his contact info.