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)??
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).
Gull, you are right on the money.....once again! :bow:
I don't do bench presses for all the reasons you listed. Anytime I've done it, I've been in pain afterwards. I have very muscular pecs....don't laugh. This is no way reflects the size of other nearby parts! :rofl: My doctor told me that was a big cause for my shoulder problems.....the muscle imbalance combined with loose joints. I say avoid the bench press if you have shoulder problems....and if you do bench, do so with lots of reps and low weight.
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).
Gull, you are right on the money.....once again! :bow:
I don't do bench presses for all the reasons you listed. Anytime I've done it, I've been in pain afterwards. I have very muscular pecs....don't laugh. This is no way reflects the size of other nearby parts! :rofl: My doctor told me that was a big cause for my shoulder problems.....the muscle imbalance combined with loose joints. I say avoid the bench press if you have shoulder problems....and if you do bench, do so with lots of reps and low weight.
