Arm problem possibly

zuchum

hey,
i think i might be making some kind of mistake in the way I use the machines in the gym (btw i'm a total gym newbie so apologies in advance).

Basically, last two times I've been in the gym, using mainly seated row, chest press, and rowing machines, I'm having difficulty stretching out my arms to full length. I get a slight pain on the opposite side of my elbow,which makes it difficult to stretch out. Its not painful really, but just worried I'm doing something that could cause me long term problems.



Thanks in advance,sorry for the rambling

theliam

pump iron

zuchum

cheers stano

rubadub

People will only point you towards medical professionals for pains/complaints unless they are obvious ones (e.g. DOMS). You could be using poor form/technique so get an instructor or experienced gym-goer to check you.

By "pump iron" I think he meant to avoid the machines, and stick to free weights. I would recommend it too. Machines will restrict your movements and are unnatural so you can end up with problems in real life, or in the gym when you go to lift in other exercises. They force you to use stabilising muscles.

I stick to compound exercises using a lot of muscles together. Squat, deadlift, pullup/chinup, dips, overhead dumbbell press, leg raises holding a chinning bar. Many join gyms and will go towards expensive machines to feel they are getting value for money, but do not be fooled by simplicity, a chinup bar is an amazing piece of equipment.

checkout www.exrx.net

Dragan

theliam wrote: »

pump iron

That was pointless.

Do it again and watch what happens.

amazingemmet

Pump Iron!

Seriously though it could be the machine doesn't suit your movement pattern, where as if you used free weights you can adapt the movement pattern to how your body is made to move. Is the pain on the inside or the outside of your elbow? it might be worth going to a physio and getting the range of motion of your joint checked.