Weight Lifting - Squeeze!

[Mar]

Hi Cathe,

When lifting weights do you squeeze the muscles while you're lifting and also squeeze the dumbell/barbell. I find myself squeezing the dumbell/barbell, but I've noticed stiffness in my hands the next day. Should I hold them in a relaxed fashion and just squeeze the muscle?

Thanks

Mar

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Mar! Yes, relax your hands and just squeeze the muscle. If you squeeze the bar, you will restrict blood flow to the muscles. And yes, this tight grip can cause stiffness in the hands too. Take Care!