Drop-set's picture
Drop-set
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dumbbell shoulder press...

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For a long time my shoulder was injured. I couldn't do seated dumbbell press, so I worked around it. For the last couple months I have been able to press without pain. Not sure what changed, but I am going with it.

My questions are, what kind of rep range are you guys doing, and what kind of weight? Is heavy and low reps a bad idea for shoulders?

Darkhorse777's picture

I like both heavy and doing lighter pump work ...i like to change it up ...sometimes all straight sets of heavy ...sometimes all supersets dropsets and volume for pump and somtimes a good mix of both when things get stagnant i mix it up muscle confusion is key ...as for injuries i usually gradually work up with lighter weight over a period of time strengthening the ligaments and tendons tell i can safely lift heavy again

herbertreed's picture

I do 60-70 lbs Arnold press for the last 5 years and I am pleased with the result. It works on shoulder, back and bicep muscle. You can do it at home if you have dumbbells.

firebyrd516's picture

70lb Arnold press is beastly, bro. Maybe one day...

Drop-set's picture

Thnx for the feedback. No hammer shoulder machine in my gym. Limited to dumb bells and smith. It also doesn't hurt to go deep, I just didn't know if it was bad regardless.

Drop-set's picture

Thanks for the input. The worst part is I never have a spotter, so I have to be smart. I really like working shoulders, so I'm happy to just be moving weight again.

Do you guys drop your elbows past 90, or stop? Thanks.

SlowBro's picture

that changes from person to person. depends on your shoulder mobility. i personally go just slightly below 90. some guys take it way deeper, but i cant or i end up with shoulder pain. do what feels comfortable.

SlowBro's picture

if your coming off a shoulder injury dont rush it. doesnt mean it needs to be super light or anything. rep range of 8-12, even as high as 15 or 20 can really get a good pump going. you can do things that will make the weight feel heavier, but not put as much stress on the shoulder. examples would be slowing the rep speed down, both on eccentric or concentric. a 1 second contraction with a solid squeeze at the top followed by a 4 second negative will allow you to work the muscle more with lighter weight. another way is the slow down both the pushing part of the rep as well as the negative, you will need to go much lighter, 3 seconds each direction will have your shoulders burning. dennis james does alot of work like that, TUT (time under tension), with ultra slow reps.

another way to get more bang for your buck is save db shoulder press til the end of your workout when the delts are already fairly fatigued. you wont need to use as much weight and will still be able to really work the muscle.

just things that i have done to work around injuries in the past. hope it helps.