Tricep press

corblimey

I started a new program on Wednesday and this particular machine is included in it for the first time. So I was with my trainer as he showed me how to use it. Anyone who's familiar will this will know how it works, you press down on 2 handles either side so that your arms go from 90 degrees (elbows up by your head) to straight down.

Simple enough, except that while I was doing it, the trainer told me to really push down all the way, to stretch my arms. Now I've always been told to keep a slight bend when doing any weights. Never lock your elbows or knees, but he seemed to be saying to lock them - is it possible to fully extend your arms without locking your elbows???

Anyway, I just wanted to see if any of you nice gym goers can correct me if I'm wrong and that this is something I should be doing with the tricep press?

cowzerp

Im a trainer myself, and locking your arms out is fine once you dont snap them, otherwise you'd never straighten your arm!! snapping it would put all the weight in your joint but straightening it controlled is fine..

Hanley

Locking and hyperextending are two different things.

As Cowzerp said, snapping your elbows risks hyperextenstion. It should be noted that since your triceps are strongest the closer your arm is to fully locked, it's more likely to "snap" them as you're trying to lock.

corblimey

cowzerp wrote: »

Im a trainer myself, and locking your arms out is fine once you dont snap them, otherwise you'd never straighten your arm!! snapping it would put all the weight in your joint but straightening it controlled is fine..

So it's just a matter of practice? Try to get as close to full extension as possible without 'snapping'?

cowzerp

Yeah exactly, same applies to all exercises-:)
Hanley is spot on too.