Alex's Journey

This is a question I had at one point. Whenever I would do seated overhead tricep extensions with a dumbbell my elbows would make a popping sound. Now it wasn’t a painful click or pop, if it was painful I would have stopped the exercises immediately. It always happened during the same part of the movement. I didn’t want small weak triceps so I continued to work out anyways. Some experienced bodybuilders say they just continue on as usual with no problems. However it’s better to get around the issue if it’s possible, whatever puts less stress on the joints and more on our muscle right? If it’s not possible to get around the popping, it might be wise to see a doctor and make sure it’s not the start of something serious.

For me I abolished the overhead tricep extension and now do a tricep extension with a barbell on a flat or decline bench, or do close grip bench press. When I do those exercises the cracking seems to cease, not to mention they are great mass builders. Experiment with different exercises and grips until you find something that eases the popping or stops it all together. Again it would be wise to see a doctor and make sure it’s not the start of something more serious.

Tip: If something hurts, STOP. If your injured you won’t be able go to the gym.