You know that cable exercise?
Why do I always see, may it be at the gym or in demonstrated proper execution on THAT other site, the forearms never goes beyond parallel?
I’ve always done mine full ROM, I mean I go all the way up as possible without moving my elbows and then push down as low as possible… Is there a problem with that? Is there greater risk to develop elbow tendonitis or something?
I sure don’t feel any pain in my elbows, but I better play safe…
you’re just a badass, that’s all.
Yeah I know…
Anyone else?
It keeps tension on your triceps.
[quote]Fulmen wrote:
It keeps tension on your triceps. [/quote]
It’s all about the constant tension!
SO if I stay at parallel, it will keep tension. Does that mean that I will be able to use more weight?
Also, when you go full ROM, what muscle is used for the upper part of the movement, when pressing down?
If you are keeping your elbows locked and not cheating the movement, you are probably keping enough tension on the muscle even with your increased ROM. By limiting the ROM, it also helps prevent elbow tendinitis in people prone to it.
That is what I thought, I do not cheat on that movement, and can feel the tension quite well.
If I do full ROM, is there any advantage? Better tricep development maybe?
If you’re already doing dips, floor, presses, board presses, and shoulder press lockouts in a power rack I would say that you need not worry about ROM and tension on a few sets of pushdowns. I would just strive for your body’s full ROM on pushdowns, provided it is pain free.
[quote]gogotheviking wrote:
SO if I stay at parallel, it will keep tension. Does that mean that I will be able to use more weight?
Also, when you go full ROM, what muscle is used for the upper part of the movement, when pressing down?[/quote]
If you keep the turnarounds slow, there shouldn’t be any big risks. As you said, just stop right BEFORE the point when you feel the elbows coming away from your sides.
Theoretically, more stretch means more micro-damage and more growth potential.
Historically, I have always brought my hands up to pec level for most reps, but when my strength gives out on the full ROM, I will do only the bottom 2/3 (parallel and below) for some ‘burns’ or partials.
As I get older and read things like that latest CW article, I am tempted to back off on the full ROM for periods of time to give the ol’ tendons a rest.
Later,
Scott
In my experience (observing others perform this exercise) many people who go full range of motion begin to lose form after their forearms pass parallel to the floor on the way up (eccentric portion of the movement); their elbows begin to come up, and they don’t realize it.
So, it’s possible that the paradigm of “stop at forearms parallel to floor” has become some sort of doctrine to help assure proper form.