Bench press and elbow hyperextension

[jkw]

My mom's elbows hyperextend something like 20 degrees, and given that elbow lockout is necessary during liftoff and bringing the bar over your head for safety, I was wondering if there was any extra caution necessary when benching for people who can hyperextend their elbows significantly. Could the weight stress the hyperextended joint too much?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Yes, it could. She'll have to be careful to maintain a neutral lockout.

[Will Morris]

My mom's elbows hyperextend something like 20 degrees, and given that elbow lockout is necessary during liftoff and bringing the bar over your head for safety, I was wondering if there was any extra caution necessary when benching for people who can hyperextend their elbows significantly. Could the weight stress the hyperextended joint too much?

I might consider some type of external intervention to keep her from going in to hyperextension when benching or pressing. Bracing, taping, etc.