Skip to main content
Physical Fitness

Return to Answer

speculate
Source Link
user3085
user3085

Yes, you should lock your elbows at full extension for each completion of a bench press repetition and also the knees at the top of the squat.

This is supported by text from Starting Strength, 3rd Edition:

Regarding the bench: "...push up on the bar, locking out your elbows."

"At the top [of the squat], all the skeletal components that support the bar - the knees, hips, and spine - will be locked in extension so that the muscular components have to exert only enough force to maintain this position."

I will speculate as to some reasons for this:

  • allows you to release your valsalva maneuver and take a breath of air while the weight is supported by skeletal components
  • allows you to train through the full range of motion

Yes, you should lock your elbows at full extension for each completion of a bench press repetition and also the knees at the top of the squat.

This is supported by text from Starting Strength, 3rd Edition:

Regarding the bench: "...push up on the bar, locking out your elbows."

"At the top [of the squat], all the skeletal components that support the bar - the knees, hips, and spine - will be locked in extension so that the muscular components have to exert only enough force to maintain this position."

Yes, you should lock your elbows at full extension for each completion of a bench press repetition and also the knees at the top of the squat.

This is supported by text from Starting Strength, 3rd Edition:

Regarding the bench: "...push up on the bar, locking out your elbows."

"At the top [of the squat], all the skeletal components that support the bar - the knees, hips, and spine - will be locked in extension so that the muscular components have to exert only enough force to maintain this position."

I will speculate as to some reasons for this:

  • allows you to release your valsalva maneuver and take a breath of air while the weight is supported by skeletal components
  • allows you to train through the full range of motion
Source Link
user3085
user3085

Yes, you should lock your elbows at full extension for each completion of a bench press repetition and also the knees at the top of the squat.

This is supported by text from Starting Strength, 3rd Edition:

Regarding the bench: "...push up on the bar, locking out your elbows."

"At the top [of the squat], all the skeletal components that support the bar - the knees, hips, and spine - will be locked in extension so that the muscular components have to exert only enough force to maintain this position."