Shoulder technique questions

[bigslick7878]

First off if you do side/lateral raises with dumbbells do you start with the weight at your side or in front of your stomach. I have seen people do it both ways but think that you can get into bad form if you start in front of the stomach instead of at your side.

The range of motion is obviously greater, but when pressing at the end of sets you might get into bad habits and try to use momentum instead of lifting the weight properly. By starting at your sides it is almost impossible to do that.

Another thing, when doing shoulder presses do you finish at the top with your palms facing together or keep the dumbbells the same way all the way up? I use 45lbers and don't feel like I am getting enough out of it if I keep them the same all the way up, and turn them facing together at the top.

[gbrice75]

For laterals, I like starting with the dumbells at my sides, but I've caught myself starting in front of my stomach and have have to make a correction from time to time.

For presses, I used to keep my hands the same (palms facing forward) throughout the entire exercise, however I recently started doing the entire exercise with a neutral grip (palms facing eachother) instead of just twisting at the top as you mentioned.

I find it much more challenging. I'm able to press 75lbers for 8 reps with the 'standard' grip, and can only do 50's with the neutral grip.

[bigslick7878]

For laterals, I like starting with the dumbells at my sides, but I've caught myself starting in front of my stomach and have have to make a correction from time to time.

For presses, I used to keep my hands the same (palms facing forward) throughout the entire exercise, however I recently started doing the entire exercise with a neutral grip (palms facing eachother) instead of just twisting at the top as you mentioned.

I find it much more challenging. I'm able to press 75lbers for 8 reps with the 'standard' grip, and can only do 50's with the neutral grip.

Never thought of doing with the palms facing forward from the start, might give it a whirl.

[Dan111]

One of the benefits to doing laterals standing up and having them come together in front of your stomach is that you can use heavier weight. Obviously don't use such a heavy weight that you're swinging them around and using a TON of momentum. But if you have a little swing and a little momentum it can be beneficial as with heavier weight you can put on more mass. Sort of like "cheat curls", you don't want to use so much weight and momentum that you're getting a back workout, but a little momentum can help you get the big weight up to help put on some size.

I like to do 3 sets of standing laterals with a heavier weight and then do 3 sets of seated laterals with a lighter weight while keeping strict form.

But that's just me, I'm sure everyone will have different opinions and some will disagree with me, but it's been working out well for me so far.

[gbrice75]

One of the benefits to doing laterals standing up and having them come together in front of your stomach is that you can use heavier weight. Obviously don't use such a heavy weight that you're swinging them around and using a TON of momentum. But if you have a little swing and a little momentum it can be beneficial as with heavier weight you can put on more mass. Sort of like "cheat curls", you don't want to use so much weight and momentum that you're getting a back workout, but a little momentum can help you get the big weight up to help put on some size.

I tend to agree with you on this. I know it's important to know and understand proper form, but I think little cheats that allow you to put up heavier weight is fine from time to time. The point is knowing that you've sacrificed some form in order to add weight, as opposed to a person who just doesn't realize their form is off.

[jypoll]

I also start side raises infront of my stomach, it should be fine to do so as long as you keep proper form.