Forearm pain during preacher curls

[peckalo]

I have always had some degree of forearm pain during preacher curls, but lately it's been getting worse. The pain is along the outside of the forearm the full length of the outter bone.

It has always bothered me to some degree, but lately it seems to be getting worse even though I haven't been going up on weight. I know the natural response is stop doing preacher curls. I am trying to cut back, but they are by far my favorite bicep workout.

I will be switching to weighted narrow grip pull ups to give the forearms a rest, but is this pain normal? Is there anything I can do to minimize it besides quitting preacher curls?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Are you doing DB, BB, or curl bar preacher curls? Also, find a better routine. Preacher curls are a terrible exercise since they isolate and have a high chance of hyperextension of the elbow. Do weighted chinups instead. Quit the preacher curls.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

I'm right there with you on that forearm pain during preacher curls, except I don't use the support thing. But as far as the pain goes it's on the outside and feels like it's along the bone and nothing else gives me this pain.

They didn't use to hurt, but then one day they did. I was using an EZ bar and switched to just a straight barbel since I thought it might have something to do with the position of my wrists. It's helped, although the pain hasn't completely gone away.

And socially challenged your solution to everyone's routine is always something you've ripped from the starting strength book, it's beginning to sound a bit like a broken record. Not everyone is a beginner, and frankly not everyone wants to follow the starting strength routine. Believe it or not many people have their our routines and the way they like to do things.

 

[peckalo]

COpunky

Same deal. It's always with an EZ bar and the pain is along the bone. I am going to try skipping preachers for a while, its good to mix the routine up.

BTW

I am not new to lifting and know how to use proper form and caution on excercises. As far as my routine goes, I don't follow any specific routine other than what I have come up with for myself. It's been working for a while now.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: peckalo
COpunky

Same deal. It's always with an EZ bar and the pain is along the bone. I am going to try skipping preachers for a while, its good to mix the routine up.

BTW

I am not new to lifting and know how to use proper form and caution on excercises. As far as my routine goes, I don't follow any specific routine other than what I have come up with for myself. It's been working for a while now.

Except the fact is that professional know better. Try a normal routine developed by someone who lives, breathes, and works exercise. I will suggest, once again, Starting Strength or Stronglift's 5x5 program. They will benefit you much more.

I had my own routine for a while and thought it was good. I had some results, etc. It "worked," but it was definitely less than optimal. I went on a professional routine and gained 15 pounds of muscle in 10 weeks and upped my lifts almost 50%. Get on a routine. Even if you think you know what you're doing, just do it.

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
And socially challenged your solution to everyone's routine is always something you've ripped from the starting strength book, it's beginning to sound a bit like a broken record.

onlyCOpunk, you're hurting your own credibility by trying to make it sound like the starting strength book is a bad place to get advice from. it's widely recognized as an excellent guide to weight lifting and there is nothing wrong with quoting it. It was written by professionals and has been endorsed by many people afterwards, so I would call it fairly reliable.

what exactly is your source of information?

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
Not everyone is a beginner, and frankly not everyone wants to follow the starting strength routine. Believe it or not many people have their our routines and the way they like to do things.

I agree that an individual's genetics, goals, experience, etc should always be taken into account. Having said that, certain exercises and routines are known to be more effective than others for the vast majority of the population. Starting strength (and similar 5x5ish routines) work for just about everyone who tries them. People like to believe that they are unique and special and that the rules don't really apply to them ("I can get strong by doing crunches and bicep curls 7 times a week"), but it typically just isn't true.

Now, back to the original question. I've also experienced a small amount of pain in my forearm when doing preacher curls with an EZ curl bar. It's right on the middle of the arm and feels like it's on the bone. I would guess it's from the stress/torque of the weight on the bone (or possibly some tendons running along it?) and is probably normal.

Do both of your forearms hurt, or just one? If it's just one, you may have injured it in some way and it just needs some time to recover. If both... dunno, perhaps it's a stress injury. Either way, in the short term, stop doing them. You can try the following exercises in their place to see how they feel:

* Dumbell preacher curls. You do them with one arm at a time, it allows you to change the angle a bit, which for me feels way better on both the forearm and elbow (as in, no pain at all). I like these a lot as far as isolation biceps exercises go - they prevent you from rocking and thereby prevent you from getting your back and shoulder into it.
* Standing barbell curls. If you go all the way down (ie, your arms are nearly straight), these can feel great too. If you use a straight olympic bar (ie, not EZ curl), you'll get a great forearm workout. Just be careful to not put your back into it.
* (Weighted) Pull-ups, chin-ups: a fantastic compound exercise for your biceps, traps, lats, rhomboids, forearms, etc. However, if your back is your weak point, you might not get enough of a bicep workout from this. Solution: work your back more

 

[presidentender]

Bone pain can be microfractures, in which case the treatment is lots of calcium and not putting pressure on the bone. Switch up your exercises for a while; you'll get the benefits of muscle confusion as well.

 

[peckalo]

Thanks for the replies.

The pain is only in my right forarm and only when doing preachers with an EZ bar. It used to be just a slight pain, but has grown more pronounced over the past month. I haven't gone up in weight (even backed off some due to the pain) but it has continued to get worse. Time to take a break.

I have already started mixing in weighted chinups, they kick my butt. Good news is that my back isn't my weakest link so I can go until my biceps fail.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
I'm right there with you on that forearm pain during preacher curls, except I don't use the support thing. But as far as the pain goes it's on the outside and feels like it's along the bone and nothing else gives me this pain.

They didn't use to hurt, but then one day they did. I was using an EZ bar and switched to just a straight barbel since I thought it might have something to do with the position of my wrists. It's helped, although the pain hasn't completely gone away.

And socially challenged your solution to everyone's routine is always something you've ripped from the starting strength book, it's beginning to sound a bit like a broken record. Not everyone is a beginner, and frankly not everyone wants to follow the starting strength routine. Believe it or not many people have their our routines and the way they like to do things.

Oh, didn't even read this post. I may sound repetitive, but these programs work for everyone. I don't care if you do bicep curls or a bodybuilding program - that's fine; but if you want to optimize your strength gains, you're going to need to do something like this program. This program works for intermediates all the way through advanced athletes also. Unless you start to plateau, use these types of programs. If you do plateau you want to get more complicated, you can start doing something like what crt does which gets him very small gains (which is all he's going to get 'cause he's already very strong).

What do you have against a proven plan? Have you ever done this program? What do you see wrong with it? There are no weaknesses if you are doing it correctly. The simplicity of the guides are what is key. You don't have to do a ton of exotic exercises to get in shape. All you have to do is do it right. If it ain't broke, don't fix it so don't be a douchebag about it

 

[sash1]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
I'm right there with you on that forearm pain during preacher curls, except I don't use the support thing. But as far as the pain goes it's on the outside and feels like it's along the bone and nothing else gives me this pain.

They didn't use to hurt, but then one day they did. I was using an EZ bar and switched to just a straight barbel since I thought it might have something to do with the position of my wrists. It's helped, although the pain hasn't completely gone away.

And socially challenged your solution to everyone's routine is always something you've ripped from the starting strength book, it's beginning to sound a bit like a broken record. Not everyone is a beginner, and frankly not everyone wants to follow the starting strength routine. Believe it or not many people have their our routines and the way they like to do things.

Oh, didn't even read this post. I may sound repetitive, but these programs work for everyone. I don't care if you do bicep curls or a bodybuilding program - that's fine; but if you want to optimize your strength gains, you're going to need to do something like this program. This program works for intermediates all the way through advanced athletes also. Unless you start to plateau, use these types of programs. If you do plateau you want to get more complicated, you can start doing something like what crt does which gets him very small gains (which is all he's going to get 'cause he's already very strong).

What do you have against a proven plan? Have you ever done this program? What do you see wrong with it? There are no weaknesses if you are doing it correctly. The simplicity of the guides are what is key. You don't have to do a ton of exotic exercises to get in shape. All you have to do is do it right. If it ain't broke, don't fix it so don't be a douchebag about it

for whatever reason, he doesn't like the guy: Text

 

[onlyCOpunk]

It's not that I don't like the guy, or discredit his program in any way. I just think that there needs to be a sticky about because everyone's answer to every question involves the Starting Strength routine. Or someone needs to make an official thread, that or the name of this forum should be called "Starting Strength."

Not to mention, the thing that I'm starting to see more frequently is the Starting Strength cronies discrediting everyone else's routines and preaching Starting Strength up and down.

Take this thread for example, the OP's routine was completely discredited. Maybe he likes preacher curls or maybe he gets results from them that he is satisfied with. I mean he wasn't asking for a critique of his routine, he was asking about pain and what he could to minimize it. If there is another thing he do that gives him the same results as what he was doing then great, but no one needs to discredit his routine and suggest something completely different. It might not work with his goals.

 

[presidentender]

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
It's not that I don't like the guy, or discredit his program in any way. I just think that there needs to be a sticky about because everyone's answer to every question involves the Starting Strength routine. Or someone needs to make an official thread, that or the name of this forum should be called "Starting Strength."

Not to mention, the thing that I'm starting to see more frequently is the Starting Strength cronies discrediting everyone else's routines and preaching Starting Strength up and down.

Take this thread for example, the OP's routine was completely discredited. Maybe he likes preacher curls or maybe he gets results from them that he is satisfied with. I mean he wasn't asking for a critique of his routine, he was asking about pain and what he could to minimize it. If there is another thing he do that gives him the same results as what he was doing then great, but no one needs to discredit his routine and suggest something completely different. It might not work with his goals.

I did nothing but preacher curls for biceps for years. Loved 'em. They're the best biceps isolation exercise, and they do give you nicely-shaped bis. That's great, if you want a biceps isolation exercise. Chances are good that you don't; at least, not if you're posting here.

Now, OP wasn't asking for a critique of his routine, but what do you expect? Post your routine here, it gets deconstructed. That's a pattern. It happens. He didn't even seem to be bothered.

 

[HamSupLo]

If it hurts, I'd stop doing it or risk more damage. You can try doing seated bicep curls, one arm at a time or both at once. Or instead of using the barbell, grab a dumbell and do preacher curls one arm at a time. I also like doing 21's.

 

[LLCOOLJ]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: peckalo
COpunky

Same deal. It's always with an EZ bar and the pain is along the bone. I am going to try skipping preachers for a while, its good to mix the routine up.

BTW

I am not new to lifting and know how to use proper form and caution on excercises. As far as my routine goes, I don't follow any specific routine other than what I have come up with for myself. It's been working for a while now.

Except the fact is that professional know better. Try a normal routine developed by someone who lives, breathes, and works exercise. I will suggest, once again, Starting Strength or Stronglift's 5x5 program. They will benefit you much more.

I had my own routine for a while and thought it was good. I had some results, etc. It "worked," but it was definitely less than optimal. I went on a professional routine and gained 15 pounds of muscle in 10 weeks and upped my lifts almost 50%. Get on a routine. Even if you think you know what you're doing, just do it.

That's a pound and a half of muscle gained per week. :shocked: That would be amazing for somebody using Gear not to mention a natural BB. Man imagine how big you'll be after a year when you gain 75 lbs of muscle:roll:

To the OP, it sounds like you have tendinitis. Best to forgo the Preacher Curls for awhile and just do Dumbell Curls, Hammer Curls or some other alternative bicep exercise.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: LLCOOLJ

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: peckalo
COpunky

Same deal. It's always with an EZ bar and the pain is along the bone. I am going to try skipping preachers for a while, its good to mix the routine up.

BTW

I am not new to lifting and know how to use proper form and caution on excercises. As far as my routine goes, I don't follow any specific routine other than what I have come up with for myself. It's been working for a while now.

Except the fact is that professional know better. Try a normal routine developed by someone who lives, breathes, and works exercise. I will suggest, once again, Starting Strength or Stronglift's 5x5 program. They will benefit you much more.

I had my own routine for a while and thought it was good. I had some results, etc. It "worked," but it was definitely less than optimal. I went on a professional routine and gained 15 pounds of muscle in 10 weeks and upped my lifts almost 50%. Get on a routine. Even if you think you know what you're doing, just do it.

That's a pound and a half of muscle gained per week. :shocked: That would be amazing for somebody using Gear not to mention a natural BB. Man imagine how big you'll be after a year when you gain 75 lbs of muscle:roll:

To the OP, it sounds like you have tendinitis. Best to forgo the Preacher Curls for awhile and just do Dumbell Curls, Hammer Curls or some other alternative bicep exercise.

It's called beginner gains. 139 -> 159 in 10 weeks about 5 of them being fat. Way to be a jackass and try to degrade a fair accomplishment. It's called nutrition and hypertrophy. Look it up and come back to me and tell me that's not possible.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: LLCOOLJ

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: peckalo
COpunky

Same deal. It's always with an EZ bar and the pain is along the bone. I am going to try skipping preachers for a while, its good to mix the routine up.

BTW

I am not new to lifting and know how to use proper form and caution on excercises. As far as my routine goes, I don't follow any specific routine other than what I have come up with for myself. It's been working for a while now.

Except the fact is that professional know better. Try a normal routine developed by someone who lives, breathes, and works exercise. I will suggest, once again, Starting Strength or Stronglift's 5x5 program. They will benefit you much more.

I had my own routine for a while and thought it was good. I had some results, etc. It "worked," but it was definitely less than optimal. I went on a professional routine and gained 15 pounds of muscle in 10 weeks and upped my lifts almost 50%. Get on a routine. Even if you think you know what you're doing, just do it.

That's a pound and a half of muscle gained per week. :shocked: That would be amazing for somebody using Gear not to mention a natural BB. Man imagine how big you'll be after a year when you gain 75 lbs of muscle:roll:

To the OP, it sounds like you have tendinitis. Best to forgo the Preacher Curls for awhile and just do Dumbell Curls, Hammer Curls or some other alternative bicep exercise.

It's called beginner gains. 139 -> 159 in 10 weeks about 5 of them being fat. Way to be a jackass and try to degrade a fair accomplishment. It's called nutrition and hypertrophy. Look it up and come back to me and tell me that's not possible.

He's right though, a 1 1/2 lbs gain a week up to 15 lbs in 10 weeks seems a little too much even for a beginner which you clearly stated you weren't. Of course that's not taking into account your genetics and your youth. We wouldn't want anybody just starting out to get unrealistic expectations as a 15 lbs gain of muscle in a year is considered very good.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: LLCOOLJ

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: peckalo
COpunky

Same deal. It's always with an EZ bar and the pain is along the bone. I am going to try skipping preachers for a while, its good to mix the routine up.

BTW

I am not new to lifting and know how to use proper form and caution on excercises. As far as my routine goes, I don't follow any specific routine other than what I have come up with for myself. It's been working for a while now.

Except the fact is that professional know better. Try a normal routine developed by someone who lives, breathes, and works exercise. I will suggest, once again, Starting Strength or Stronglift's 5x5 program. They will benefit you much more.

I had my own routine for a while and thought it was good. I had some results, etc. It "worked," but it was definitely less than optimal. I went on a professional routine and gained 15 pounds of muscle in 10 weeks and upped my lifts almost 50%. Get on a routine. Even if you think you know what you're doing, just do it.

That's a pound and a half of muscle gained per week. :shocked: That would be amazing for somebody using Gear not to mention a natural BB. Man imagine how big you'll be after a year when you gain 75 lbs of muscle:roll:

To the OP, it sounds like you have tendinitis. Best to forgo the Preacher Curls for awhile and just do Dumbell Curls, Hammer Curls or some other alternative bicep exercise.

It's called beginner gains. 139 -> 159 in 10 weeks about 5 of them being fat. Way to be a jackass and try to degrade a fair accomplishment. It's called nutrition and hypertrophy. Look it up and come back to me and tell me that's not possible.

He's right though, a 1 1/2 lbs gain a week up to 15 lbs in 10 weeks seems a little too much even for a beginner which you clearly stated you weren't. Of course that's not taking into account your genetics and your youth. We wouldn't want anybody just starting out to get unrealistic expectations as a 15 lbs gain of muscle in a year is considered very good.

Actually I WAS a beginner to lifting. I had never been on a GOOD program for more than a month. I didn't clearly state I wasn't a beginner. Where did you get that from? My 1RM for squat went from 200 -> 300 pounds also. My genetics are great for lifting apparently, which I was rather surprised about. 15 pounds in 10 weeks from a beginner is not THAT uncommon. Go refer to BB.com and you'll find some guys who gain more naturally. They just take in 5k+ cleanish calories.

 

[brikis98]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
He's right though, a 1 1/2 lbs gain a week up to 15 lbs in 10 weeks seems a little too much even for a beginner which you clearly stated you weren't. Of course that's not taking into account your genetics and your youth. We wouldn't want anybody just starting out to get unrealistic expectations as a 15 lbs gain of muscle in a year is considered very good.

15lbs in 10 weeks is not easy, but far from impossible. I've been lifting for ~3.5 years and just recently gained ~10 pounds in ~10 weeks (215lbs - 225lbs) doing the Bill Star 5x5 program. If you work your ass off (esp. w/ squats), eat a ton of protein (3 protein shakes a day) and have decent genetics (I can gain/lose weight relatively easily), it's doable.

But yes, I agree with not setting unrealistic expectations for anyone - aka YMMV