lock out

[Patches]

What are "lock outs" and what purpose do they serve?

[Boss Man]

Locking out in the way I think you're talking about, is when a joint flexes to the point, where both limbs it adjoins run paralell.

This serves no purpose, and in no account should any exercises performed result in lock out, as it just may cause jarring, and other kinds of residual long-term damage, to such joints where any potential lockout can be achieved.

Not all exercises may have a potential lockout point, but where they do, don't go there. Always look for a full range of motion, and learn to stop just short of it, so any positive effect on the working muscle(s), doesn't result in negative side effects, that are joint related.

Is that what you were referring to?

[swanso5]

i think they're refferring to the exercise bossman...

lockouts are best done with deadlifts (rack pulls), squats, bench presses and shoulder presses and are basically where you only perform the last 3rd to a 4th of the range of motion but you need a rack to sit the bar on as you need to start from a dead stop off the pins...it's good if you have a sticking point near the top phase of the movement but i'm 100% sure your weaker in the bottom phase

[Patches]

Thanks Boss Man and Swanso5 for your quick responses. What is the purpose of performing only the top part of a rep( i.e. bench) ?

[swanso5]

like i said in previous post, it strengthens that specific range of motion so if you usually miss your bench presses from being unable to lockout the top range of motion this will strengthen it but 95% are weaker off the chest