i have read (here actually: www.swimdcac.org/.../article5.html) that the bench press does more harm than good for swimmers. what is everyone else's opinion (and experience)??
Parents
Former Member
My understanding of swimmer's shoulder is that muscle imbalance aggravates impingement of the rotator cuff tendons. The anterior muscles, including pectoralis major, are larger and stronger than the rotator cuff muscles and the other posterior muscle groups that stabilize the scapula and suppport the shoulder. So bench press could increase this imbalance, making the situation worse. Additionally, depending on how you perform the exercise, you may be impinging the tendons when you lower the weight (same problem with dips).
Reply
Former Member
My understanding of swimmer's shoulder is that muscle imbalance aggravates impingement of the rotator cuff tendons. The anterior muscles, including pectoralis major, are larger and stronger than the rotator cuff muscles and the other posterior muscle groups that stabilize the scapula and suppport the shoulder. So bench press could increase this imbalance, making the situation worse. Additionally, depending on how you perform the exercise, you may be impinging the tendons when you lower the weight (same problem with dips).