Avoiding Shoulder Injury question

[tankdude]

When doing a chest workout, is it better to use dumbells to do my workout or use the bar and bench? Ive been told that using dumbells for the same workout is better for avoiding shoulder injurys. any thoughts?

[theatrain]

Alternate, use them both.

Also if you don't want to injur yourself warm up your rotator cuffs.

The drawings aren't the best, but you'll get the idea.
Four Exercises to Strengthen the Muscles of Your Rotator Cuff

You don't have to do them all, but something to warm yourself up.

Before every chest workout and shoulder workout I do
#1 on that site, but standing up with both arms
and #2.

[tooncesthecat]

Although I am not sure if it is safer for your shoulders, I personally prefer dumbbells for chest. I just get a better pump. I also think I feel a greater squeeze at the top with dumbbells. You have to use more stabilizer muscles as well which ties in the shoulders, tris, and even upper back muscles. Of course, I would mix up your routine in general, using both bar and dumbbells and some machines. I like the Hammer Strength chest machines because I can really load them up and not be afraid of dropping a bar on my neck!

[tankdude]

Usuallt i do a solid set of 10+ with just the bar, then 25's on each side about 10, then a plate, then get into my normal workout. thats usually a good warm up.
Thanks for the extra tips!