QUESTION: Why does bar press hurt my shoulders more than dumbbell press?

Beth,

I notice that when I bench press with a bar on any type of bench (flat, incline, decline), I always get super sore shoulders that hurt while I paddle. But when I use dumbbells, my shoulders don't seem to hurt that much. I have a multipurpose bench press bar can be used for squats and other exercises, and I also have a preacher curl bar. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Manei

ANSWER:

Hey Manei,

Sorry for the delay. My internet access has been messed up and now I am borrowing my busy husband's computer (needless to say, my answer is gonna be brief). If you have more questions, let me know, and, hopefully, I will be up and running by next week.

It is weird that the bar hurts your shoulder, and not the dumbbells, as the bar is more stable. But I guess you should do what feels good! If you have any time with any friends that are personal trainers, I would suggest getting a brief tutorial, as you may be lifting incorrectly.

As for the types of lifting for folks whose paddling is less than desirable: try strengthening your lats, triceps, shoulder blade muscles (including mid and lower traps), some shoulder work, a bit of chest, but avoiding your upper trapezius muscles. I would strongly suggest hiring a trainer for a few sessions who is knowledgeable in the swimming/surfing arena. It would do you a great service, since you are experiencing pain and are confused about proper paddle technique. There is a good book out there which you could get called Surf Flex, written by Paul Frediani.

Hope this helps, gotta run, my hubby is breathing down my neck in a not so romantic way!!

Beth