Please help me understand the mechanics of the press. I’m really trying to focus on proper mechanics of each lift and focused on the bench press right now. Everything I’ve seen says that the bar should start at my nipples and slightly arc towards my head (ignoring grip width and elbows, etc for this question). This seems to align with the machines that move in the same arc. But, when I sit here at my desk and put my hand on my chest and mimic the same, I don’t feel the same pec engagement as I do if the arc is slightly towards my feet. Last night I even went to the chest press machine and did one arm presses with one hand on my chest and while I did feel my pecs engaged, it just doesn’t seem the same as I do when I arc down. I’m not here to debate the science, but do want to understand what’s happening.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, just seeking to understand and do this right.