Rips Shoulder

[Mark Rippetoe]

So is the bench press completely out?

It is for me. Does this make you sad?

[Gunnhild Bruno]

It's actually kind of refreshing to see posters obsess over a bodypart of yours that isn't your nuts, Rip.

[BillBrownley]

I am not sure. I have been in the same shoulder pain position (presses fine, dips and benchs hurt, push-ups not as bad) but have kept trying to do benchs--short limited comebacks followed by pain.

Simply cutting it out on the one hand seems like it makes great sense and I can stop the madness. On the other hand--am I giving in to something I should continue to try to work through? At 54 (almost 55) am I allowing age to beat me (well, it eventually beats us all, but as far as we know--also beats the heck out of the known alternatives).

So--I might be both happy and sad.

[Mark Rippetoe]

It's actually kind of refreshing to see posters obsess over a bodypart of yours that isn't your nuts, Rip.

People do seem to be fascinated by them.

Simply cutting it out on the one hand seems like it makes great sense and I can stop the madness. On the other hand--am I giving in to something I should continue to try to work through? At 54 (almost 55) am I allowing age to beat me (well, it eventually beats us all, but as far as we know--also beats the heck out of the known alternatives).

I understand your ambivalence. But I also understand shoulder surgery. If you are not a competitive powerlifter, if you are older (whatever that means to you), and if your shoulders hurt, be aware that there is no penalty for not doing bench presses. And there may be a rather stiff penalty assessed if you continue to do them when you shouldn't.

[Gunnhild Bruno]

It is for me. Does this make you sad?

Men definitely place more importance on big pecs than women seem to. Personally, I find "swole" pecs kind of funny looking most of the time.

[Mark E. Hurling]

If you are not a competitive powerlifter, if you are older (whatever that means to you), and if your shoulders hurt, be aware that there is no penalty for not doing bench presses. And there may be a rather stiff penalty assessed if you continue to do them when you shouldn't.

Thanks for this last bit Rip. I am dealing with I hope is a minor and recoverable ding to my right delt. I have been harboring hopes of an over 60 raw PL meet, but I also know that I have this body to continue to live in for the duration. Always useful to get the full perspective in this. Happily overhead presses don't seem to give me much trouble.

[macetini]

It is for me. Does this make you sad?

A little bit, yes

[Mark Rippetoe]

On the occasions when I can actually sleep, it makes me happy that my shoulders do not wake me up.

[forgeforth]

It is for me. Does this make you sad?

I don't know why, but this actually does make me sad. Perhaps I'm spending too much time on these boards. And here I was going to ask if you would consider opening up a Starting Strength Chat Room.

[BillBrownley]

Thanks for the perspective--I have no visions of power lifting. So--bench's are gone! I know presses also work the chest--any other exercises that are relatively pain free for impacted shoulders?

Thanks again--Bill