Final answer:
It is true that hands should be positioned slightly wider than shoulder width in the bench press for proper form and muscle recruitment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing the bench press, it is true that the hands should be slightly wider than shoulder width apart. This hand position helps to ensure proper form, allowing for maximal muscle recruitment and minimizing the risk of injury. The mechanics of this exercise involve understanding lever arms and the forces placed on the muscles. When your hands grip the bar wider than the shoulders, it allows for a larger chest muscle engagement over the arm muscles and can help in properly stabilizing the wrist.