Press Snappin at the Top

[michaelbradus]

Press (135 lbs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3-5aOGnzYg

I've been having a little trouble with my press. At the point just before I shrug and lock out, something in my left shoulder catches. If I keep pressing, the "catch" will snap out of the way and allow me to finish the rep. I've tried closer and wider grips, and it doesn't seem to make a difference with this. The grip I'm using in the video is the one I feel strongest using.

This doesn't really hurt during my press, but it does take some extra effort to completely lock out at the top, and I feel like it's holding me back. That's why I'm holding the weight at the top for a long time. Also, while it doesn't hurt on press, my left shoulder does get tender after benching.

Do you see anything wrong with my press that might be causing this? I'm doing press 1.0 for now.

I appreciate any feedback!

[Red Finn]

It's not a great camera angle, but I don't see anything obviously wrong with your form. You have a little trouble staying balanced but that's probably not germane to your shoulder issue.

I'm talking out of my ass here, but it could be a rotator cuff issue.

[michaelbradus]

It's not a great camera angle, but I don't see anything obviously wrong with your form. You have a little trouble staying balanced but that's probably not germane to your shoulder issue.

I'm talking out of my ass here, but it could be a rotator cuff issue.

I was worried that it might be something with my rotator cuff. My left arm is noticeably weaker than my right arm, and I have to focus to make sure my left arm does its share on press and bench. I also notice that my left elbow tends to flair out more than my right on those lifts. I just don't want to wreck my shoulder so early in my training (or ever for that matter).

I definitely do feel off balance at lockout sometimes. I've gotten real lifting shoes since this video, and they've helped quite a bit with the balance issues.

[michaelbradus]

It's not a great camera angle, but I don't see anything obviously wrong with your form. You have a little trouble staying balanced but that's probably not germane to your shoulder issue.

I'm talking out of my ass here, but it could be a rotator cuff issue.

I was worried that it might be something with my rotator cuff. My left arm is noticeably weaker than my right arm, and I have to focus to make sure my left arm does its share on press and bench. I also notice that my left elbow tends to flair out more than my right on those lifts. I just don't want to wreck my shoulder so early in my training (or ever for that matter).

I definitely do feel off balance at lockout sometimes. I've gotten real lifting shoes since this video, and they've helped quite a bit with the balance issues.

[Red Finn]

I was worried that it might be something with my rotator cuff. My left arm is noticeably weaker than my right arm, and I have to focus to make sure my left arm does its share on press and bench. I also notice that my left elbow tends to flair out more than my right on those lifts. I just don't want to wreck my shoulder so early in my training (or ever for that matter).

I also have a noticeably weaker left side. Sometimes when I press I feel like my body leans a bit one way or the other to compensate for this fact.

You could try getting a massage, and if that doesn't help maybe some imaging of the shoulder could shed further light on the situation. But beyond that, there isn't much to do but force yourself to use proper technique and try to correct the deficiency over time. Stop letting your left elbow flare out.