Dumbell lifting issues

[rwhite2022]

history: I am a 48 year old that really never worked out in entire life. Spent the last year and a half going from 255 lbs. to a stable 200 lbs. I started working out about a year ago both strength and cardio. I have a torn right and left rotator cuff but noticed that after a few months of weight and dumbell lifting the pain decreased and as of today I am having no issues.

Problem: When doing the incline chest press, when bringing the bells from the start position on knees to just above shoulders I have a difficult time getting them above head for the first time. I can get 35 lbs up easy but struggle with the 45 lbs. The issue is that after I get the 45 lbs up then the workout is easy. It's just that first step. I really need to be lifting 50 - 60 lb. dumbbells for a good workout but am afraid I might tear rotator cuffs further and competely stop weight lifting.

I am looking for any suggestions on how to overcome this dilema. I am sure I must be lifting the weight from knees to the side of head wrong and there must be another alternative. May some smaller exercises to build up the muscles that I am having issues with.

Bob

[Packard]

I do believe that incline presses and especially parallel bar dips are likely to cause you problems with your shoulders.

You might just want to stick with flat benches (or push ups).

[swanso5]

1 - getting db's up for presses is the hardest part

2 - your rotator cuffs, they don't themselves...just because something isn't painful, it doesn't mean it's healthy

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[lens_d]

I put the heavey ones on knees and use legs and momentum to get them up the first time. Another option i to get someone to help you get them up. It is truly the hardest part.

[ldematto]

Eliminate Incline Presses until you your cuffs...as Swanso says, tears don't go away, they need to be fixed. Maybe it wasn't a tear but you need to make sure you aren't creating more damage - not worth it! son had issues with his cuff and kept pushing through lifting and he eventually had to have surgury and guess what? No more lifting at all! Good luck!