DB Press form question

[Scrumhalf]

Should I just make the dumbbells go up and down vertically or should I bring them together and have them touch over my chest at the apex of the movement? Are there any benefits or liabilities with either approach?

[Shibby]

How does the ROM feel to you with each?

[BBAddict]

I definitely feel like a get a better pump and more contraction if I bring them to the middle and squeeze. Sometimes, I'll rotate my hands 90degrees at the top so that I can bring them closer together just to get that extra bit of contraction.

[Scrumhalf]

I feel it in my rotator cuff when I try to bring in the dumbbells and make them touch - that's why I have been hesitating to bring them in all the way.

[Shibby]

I bring them together, but I don't... make my palms face each other. I feel it in my shoulders then.

[Control]

I feel it in my rotator cuff when I try to bring in the dumbbells and make them touch - that's why I have been hesitating to bring them in all the way.

Sounds like you have your answer Bro. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it.

[BBAddict]

Sounds like you have your answer Bro. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it.

:agree: Don't mess with your rotator cuffs! Could be a sign of weak rotator cuffs though--make sure you do specific exercises to strengthen them.

[babyblues]

Should I just make the dumbbells go up and down vertically or should I bring them together and have them touch over my chest at the apex of the movement? Are there any benefits or liabilities with either approach?

I've heard differing opinions. Some say that you get a good squeeze at the top when you touch, others say that you tend to rest at the top so keeping them from touching keeps your pecs under constant tension. I've tried it both ways. I guess it depends on whether you tend to relax at the top or not.