Unable to lock arms out!!??

i have what seems an unusual problem (at least it seems that way looking at the clips posted on here). When my arms are locked rether than hyper extend they never straighten there is always about a 20-25 degree bend and i have been like this since i can remember. Is this issue going to limit my stregnth progressions with straigt arm (or crooked arm) work? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks in advance phil

Is that how they rest or can you not physically force them straight? If it is the former then my arms are the same. If it is the later, you may want to get some soft tissue work done on them or find a good ART specialist.

It is the latter i am unable to straighten my ams ditto - i noticed my father suffres from the same issue yesterday although he can get his a couple of degrees straighter. What does ART stand for btw. cheers

Active release techniques. It can be used to restore ROM. It is interesting to hear that your father has it too though. I have never heard of such a condition.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... 40&bih=809

Like this guy? If so, I'd say lock them out because that's what's going to strengthen the elbow joint and the bicep tendon etc etc.

If you do the trigonometry, a few degree's of bend makes very little difference to the (arm<>shoulder) distance, but the elbow lockout will get you the desired physiological effects. Hence, lockout unless you have an injury/etc that prevents you

If you mean to say that you can't actually straighten your arm then get yourself some therapy! Perhaps you and your dad can get group discount

pioa1977 said:

... i have what seems an unusual problem ... When my arms are locked rather than hyper extend they never straighten there is always about a 20-25 degree bend and i have been like this since i can remember. Is this issue going to limit my stregnth progressions with straigt arm (or crooked arm) work? ...

The bad news - As this has been a lifelong issue, no amount of joint work or rehab is going to increase the ROM of your elbows. This is simply the structure of your elbows.

The good news - While not the most aesthetic, elbows that do not completely straighten are a TREMENDOUS advantage when training intermediate to advanced ring strength elements.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer

thanks for the replies. Coach Sommer i was pleased to read that my naturally bent arms may be advantageous for more advanced ring strenght elements it is just a shame i am currently struggling with the more basic elements!! :shock: . Also a big thankyou to you and all the other members of this community for providing such a valuable and enjoyable resource. I look foward to you visting my workout log which i will start this week for critique and comment. Thanks Phil

No problem my friend! That is quite interesting. Though not a limit! Good luck!