S&H shoulder question

[ChrisR]

Today when I was doing the leg & shoulder workout from Slow & Heavy, during the second shoulder exercise (side lifts, medial delt emphasis) I got to wondering:

Is it OK to keep my elbows straight instead of slightly bent when I do the exercise? I tried doing it one way and the other, and couldn't feel that it made much difference (other than that it seemed a bit harder if I kept my elbows straight).

Thanks!
Chris

 

[mogambo]

Well, the lever is longer if the arm is straight, so it would be more work. I think you're not supposed to lock out the joint, though. But since it never really bears any weight, maybe it doesn't really matter.

 

[ChrisR]

One reason I got to wondering about it is that I have a sort of chronic low-grade tendinitis in my right forearm - sort of like tennis elbow - and I know that if you play tennis and stroke with your elbow bent a little, it can cause or worsen tendinitis. So I wondered if keeping my elbows straight (but not locked out - that's probably a good point) if I could avoid irritating a problem...

 

[mogambo]

Great question. If Cathe doesn't know, I think given your particular issues, you might ask a physical therapist.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Chris! Sure it is fine to keep your elbows straight (just not locked) but you are right, this will make the exercise a little harder since you are using a longer lever. Good Luck!