Trouble getting DBs into position for incline press
I'm not sure which of my too-weak muscles are needed to initially get the DBs into starting position for the incline presses (it feels like shoulder stabilizers), but I'm really challenged.
I just started Stage 5 today, and did a set of incline presses with 35 lb DBs, which was challenging, but definitely doable for 4 reps. Then after my second set of single-arm OH squats, I picked up the 35-lbers, and found I couldn't get them into position. So I tried 30-lbs, and no luck there either. I ended up using 25-lb DBs, and was able to complete 8 reps for each of the remaining 3 sets.
I'm guessing that whatever muscles in my shoulders & arms are needed to get the DBs into position are just getting too darned exhausted during the OH squats. I can live with that, but I'd really like to be able to do the presses at the heaviest weight my pecs & triceps can handle. Any suggestions?
Put your feet up on the foot rests with your knees bent. Put the DB's on your knees, then rock back and pop them up into place.
You can also put your feet up on a small box of some sort so that when you prop the DB's up on your knees and then hold them to your chest, they are in the right starting position when you lay back on the incline. Take you feet off the box before you start pressing.
Hmm, I don't think there are any type of foot rests on the benches at my gym, but I could try using a box - or maybe even putting my feet on the bench (if they'd fit on the flat part of the bench with my butt on it). The Power Hooks look great, but they also look to cost about $50. Of course, that would mean I'd be doing my bit to jump start our economy.
I had the same problem - the weight I could lift into position felt too light to do just the 4 reps. I just did what I could lift and I did go from 30-35lbs from the beginning to the end of the stage. I would rest the dumbbells vertically on my thighs and try to push them quickly into position as I lay back on the bench.
I had my husband spot me the first time I wanted to use 35 lb dumbbells because like you, I felt like I push them but it was very challenging to get them into position. Now I've been able to do it on my own, it was just getting over that initial hump. I sit on the bench and get the weights positioned vertically on my thighs, then lay back, then just scoot them up into position - sort of lifting with my leg if I need extra help! Maybe ask someone to spot you a couple times, I found that helped my confidence.
Had the same problem myself. And though I haven't done them in a long time I've noticed that the guys have the same problem. they use their whole bodies to sort of "jerk" the weights into place.
I have been doing bench presses this stage (7). My problem there is that I can't get the bar back up onto the upright, it's too high. So I can't do them without a spot which kind of sucks.
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Simply place the dumbbells on your thighs (bell side up) close to your knee. Then, in unison, as you go back, raise your knees up forcefully (one at a time) to help propel the DB's up. "Kneeing" them up should be relatively easy once you get the hang of it.
I have been doing bench presses this stage (7). My problem there is that I can't get the bar back up onto the upright, it's too high. So I can't do them without a spot which kind of sucks.
is it at a fixed height - you can't lower it?
and
you can get it off the j-hooks but not get it back?
I had success rocking into position. My question is: when you rock back, where do you stop the weights? At shoulder height or in the starting position?
I had success rocking into position. My question is: when you rock back, where do you stop the weights? At shoulder height or in the starting position?
Trouble getting DBs into position for incline press
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