Congrats on the PR

Learned the hard way to always have a spotter... I have not been able to go over 135 since tearing my shoulder up... Surgery in October will hopefully have me back lifting by March!

Wall stretch will do wonders for a sore/tight rotator.

 

I personally don't like working out with more than 185lb without a spot. I had one the other day while laddering to 265lb; it wasn't that I got stuck while benching, it was just that I came down too far.

Hope I didn't do any serious damage... Not as sore today, but still can def feel it if I lift my arm beyond my shoulder.

 

I had that same issue years ago when maxing 315 and now my shoulder still gives me problems if I go too low

 

My doc has always warned me not to go past 90˚ when I bench, dip, shoulder press. He has bad rotator cuff issues.

That said, I have found that if I take my time working up to heavier weight, take a week off or unload here and there, etc etc etc I don't have any problems coming all the way down to my chest or using a full range of motion in any of those exercises. I have definitely been guilty of going heavier than I should've which never ended well.

Over time I have grouped this with the same theory on back braces, straps, and all of that: if you need unnatural support, you're doing too much weight. Also kind of along the same lines if you believe in ATG squats, why would you go 50-70% range of motion on any other exercise.

 

Too low? Bench press is touching your chest. Anything else is a partial press of some sort.

 

+1.

 

started doing some heavier (for me) stuff again today after 3wks off. DL 4 sets 6x315 4x345 6x315 8x275. I was relatively happy, but I was doing 4x375 when I left off. No braces etc... could've used some chalk though!

 

I find that the straps really help

 

Yes, they do help a lot. I used to use them. However, I figure the chain is only as strong as the weakest link... So if I can't grip it, I shouldn't be lifting it until I can.

 

Problem is I doubt the grip strength can never keep up with the muscles used for DLs..

I spotted a supplement store in the neighborhood a long time ago but always reluctant to walk in.. walked in today and I was shocked at what they carried.. anyway, picked up a couple of tubs of protein, glutamine powder and a MV..