Proper form on close-grip pushdowns...?

[tweeter]

ok for some reason when i do pushdowns i can do alot of weight

the max on the machine is 180 and i did that today part of my max-ot routine, and i know i could of done more. my tricep is pretty big but i dont think it is that big,lol and i think i am using proper form

leaning a little bit forward and doing just like a rev. bb curl. is that right?

i dont go all the way up...should I?

[Cort]

Try one handed, and keep your arm flat on your side, don't let it move out...keeping it at your side makes sure you work the entire tricep, and also only go up 'till a 90 degree angle.

If you grab a pin from another weight stack you can put a plate on the stack to add extra weight also....

[TommyD]

Originally Posted by tweeter

ok for some reason when i do pushdowns i can do alot of weight

the max on the machine is 180 and i did that today part of my max-ot routine, and i know i could of done more. my tricep is pretty big but i dont think it is that big,lol and i think i am using proper form

leaning a little bit forward and doing just like a rev. bb curl. is that right?

i dont go all the way up...should I?

You're right, that is a lot of weight... if your triceps are that strong, how much are you benching?

[tweeter]

last time i max benched i was 19, weighted 175lbs and did 215. now im 23 and weight 184. ill prolly try to max bench within the next couple of months just to see what i am at

i know i need my shoulders/chest to catch up with the rest of my body, when i was young and dumb i wasnt lifting every muscle like i should of been

[bgodd1]

I agree, 180lbs is nothing to laugh at, very respectable weight for push downs. I always keep my elbows locked to my side and bring my hands parallel to my elbows, then press down, flex and hold. For me, bringing my hands above my elbows causes my elbows to hurt.
I also have seen many big boys bringing their elbows outward, like Jay Cutler.

[ricohelms]

Originally Posted by bgodd1

I agree, 180lbs is nothing to laugh at, very respectable weight for push downs. I always keep my elbows locked to my side and bring my hands parallel to my elbows, then press down, flex and hold. For me, bringing my hands above my elbows causes my elbows to hurt.
I also have seen many big boys bringing their elbows outward, like Jay Cutler.

Good post bro,

The other common mistake is to include the front of the shoulder into the movement. Don't let your shoulders roll forward. Think of it as trying to make yourself as side as possible. Keep your back straight, lean 10 degrees forward and keep your shoulders back. Pin your elbows at your side.

[tweeter]

Originally Posted by ricohelms

Good post bro,

The other common mistake is to include the front of the shoulder into the movement. Don't let your shoulders roll forward. Think of it as trying to make yourself as side as possible. Keep your back straight, lean 10 degrees forward and keep your shoulders back. Pin your elbows at your side.

thanks rico, i think i am adding the shoulder into the exercise, on monday ill give it a try and watch my form more closely

[Lee J B]

Dayyyum ! 180lb pushdown !? That's some serious poundage bro.