Weight training and Joint problems

[Blaze]

So...You always here people complaining about weight lifters having joint problems, especially tall, thin ones.
So what's the truth in this...if any?
I'm assuming it's like the growth stunting myth, which is ridiculous btw...Anyway, just was wondering if any of you could share some input on this.
Thanks guys

[Chain]

There is some truth in it but it is an over-simplification to blame it on the lifting. Some lifters do develop joint problems. But numerous influences might cause the joint issue. Some people may have a problem because of genetics, some because of bodyweight, others from unwise lifting practices. I know one common injury in lifter's is called weightlifters shoulder and I know a few people that have it. A few of them I'd bet money have it from poor technique on the bench press. But you do not have to have these problems from lifting. On the contrary, lifting can help save your joints when done properly. I've injured the musculature of my shoulder twice and both times it was because I was doing something stupid. I rehabbed it, and now I lift with more wisdom and my shoulders are 100% healthy. I also have full-squatted for years and my knees are 100% as well. I know several people that do this and strength coaches and physical therapists who endorse it (though truthfully there are some who don't as well). The key is to have a well-balanced strength training program (ie, don't be just a bench and curl jockey), warm-up properly, use good form, and make sure you are ready before attempting more advanced exercises and techniques (realize the risk that comes with those also).

[threenorns]

i have joint problems in my shoulders - result of a narrow structure and loose connective tissue.

this friday, we'll be trying the Max-OT method recommended by Todd (www.ast-ss.com - you have to register, but it's nothing onerous, except for waiting for the approval email, which isn't generated automatically).

we're trying it out because a), we're bored with our routine, b) it's pretty much where our training was headed anyway, c) we're spending WAY too long in the gym because there's a noticeable drop in focus and motivation after the first half-hour or so, and d) most of all, i am *really* intrigued by the warmup method which i really think will help with my joint problems.

[midgetcop]

I *had* a joint problem, but that was from an injury. Actually, the more I lifted the less the joint caused any problems. I guess I now have adequate muscle support in that shoulder.

[threenorns]

oh, absolutely - i stay the hell away from light weights because that's guaranteed to aggravate my shoulders. just it's hard to jump straight into heavy weights.

[luke.w]

that could be "lightweight/high reps", there threenorns, not just "light weight", the body definatily needs to be warmed up, I'm not crazy about anything over 5reps even on warm-ups, sometimes I think 5reps is even high. Sure 5 or more reps works and has it's place on OCCASSIONS, but week in/week out.....I see no purpose in that, in warm-ups and working sets.

You may be reading this and say, but,but I don't train for strength.....isn't that what weight training is about, if your stronger your less prone to injury, look way back at the roots of weighttraining (pre-steriods) strength was the only concern, with a good diet the reward was a muscle-cut body.

take the bench press, if you need a good warm-up, may I suggest doing light clean and push press (low-reps), it's less stress on the shoulders since the legs get involved, and you'll be learning and improving on the most productive exercise ever (the grandaddy of them all) then when warmed up hit a moderetly heavy bench press, The bench I feel is one were theres NO reason to go over 5reps week after week or even 3reps, only from time to time and certain situations higher reps are good.

as for myselfI don't have any joint issues and I always train heavy, I like to focus on exercises that hit the tendons and joints, like heavy partials and lockouts (supporting holds) and walking with weight, even grip training has helped me feel more indestructable, I make sure my muscle dosen't get stronger then my tendons, but I'm still young so...what do I know

[threenorns]

oh, i strain for strength, lol... i thought for the longest time that i was endo-mesomorph, but it turns out i'm nearly pure mesomorph, which is kinda cool.

on chest days, for example, i do one warmup set for the bench press using just the bar. i don't know how many reps i do, but it's just until i feel the pectorals and triceps warming up (say 8, maybe?), but my shoulders hurt the whole time. i then put it up to 95 and the pain stops.

the problem is loose tendons and ligaments. even at my overweight size, i can sit straddling a bench, then lie flat forward (which basically brings my knees up to shoulder level); if i sit with my legs in front of me, i can hit the floor with my chest and my face is in my shoes. when doing side lunges, my butt nearly hits the floor while keeping the shin of one leg perpendicular to the floor and the other leg completely straight (a half-split, if you will). rotating my shoulders, the chiropractor said i have about a 25-degree greater range of motion in my back than average.

this would all be fantastic were i a ballerina or a gymnast or something like, but it's a serious problem when all i wanna do is sling iron.

[luke.w]

Originally Posted by threenorns

oh, i strain for strength,

COOL!!!
: yeah, I figured that since you stated you stay away from the lightweight, I guess I through that line in for any weightlifting trainnee that was reading.

[threenorns]

yah, i figured - but i tossed mine in for the same reason: sometimes if you don't specifically say something, ppl assume you follow the norm. (and i'm anything BUT "normal", lol!)

[Axion]

Flax Seed Oil

I used to have bad shoulder from going to low on DB presses and Dips, and they would act up every time I tried to start goin heavy on bench. I've been taking flax seed oil for about 6 months now (per a friend's advice) and now i'm goin heavyer then ever before with no pains :

[BLADE]

Originally Posted by Chain

Some people may have a problem because of genetics, some because of bodyweight, others from unwise lifting practices.

I totally agree with Chain. I have had both shoulders cartilidge and cuff repaired and meniscus removed from my knee. I have small bones/joints and I have always been kind of zanny with years of martial arts and trying to jump over things and skiing/jumping backflips, surfing etc.