How often should I bench press in my fitness routine to achieve optimal strength gains without risking overtraining? Is there an ideal frequency that balances muscle recovery with stimulus for growth? Given the multifaceted nature of weightlifting, what factors should I consider when determining my specific frequency for this quintessential exercise? Should I heed my own body’s signals, or does research suggest a more standardized approach? Does incorporating variations of the bench press, such as incline or decline variants, necessitate alterations in frequency? Furthermore, how might my individual goals, whether they be hypertrophy, strength, or endurance, influence the ideal frequency for bench pressing? Should I also contemplate my overall workout regimen, including other upper body exercises, to devise a coherent training schedule? Lastly, could the presence of potential plateaus prompt a reevaluation of how often I engage in this foundational lift? Ultimately, what is the most prudent course of action regarding my bench press routine?