How long should lockout be held?

[Baldr]

Hi Mark,

For the press (and bench press) specifically, how long should the lockout be held? Should the elbows be locked out and held for a full second, rather than immediately descending right after the elbows have locked out?

What about for the squat, deadlift, etc.?

Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Just lock the bar out. No official time will be kept. This is true for all exercises that involve lockout.