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Hi I am currently working through many of Kit's stretches in an attempt to correct years of mindless strength work and heal the many niggles that has come along with such a regime. I think that most of my issues will resolve with more mobility, however, I have one problem with my elbow that I'm not sure how to deal with and was hoping for some advise. The problem is a clicking elbow on pushing movements, particularly dips, and worst on bench dips where your hands are behind you. It's not a painful click, but it does get sore after repeated popping; it really seems like something is catching? I didn't think this was a problem, but then I came across someone on the gymnastic bodies forum who has exactly the same issue as me and the (less than helpful!) reply from Christopher Sommer: Hello! For about a month now the joint on the inside of my left elbow has been popping with almost all pushing movements. The three exercises that make it act up the worse are dips, bodyweight triceps extensions, and pushups. It only pops on the negative portion of the rep, when, when my elbow forms a 90 degree angle. It is not an extremely painful popping, but rather uncomfortable. It happens on 90% of the reps. Is there a way to fix this, because it is rather uncomfortable and the elbow does become sore due to the repeated popping/snapping? Thanks! Sam Sam, - Excuse me for being direct, but it was quite foolish to continue these movements for a month when you were repeatedly experiencing elbow issues from performing them. - You will now need to rest the elbows for at least several weeks. There are no shortcuts. When imprudent decisions are made, there is no escaping the price that must be paid. Next time, check your ego at the door. - Triceps extensions are a terrible exercise choice for someone with sensitive elbows; discontinue them immediately. - Focus on building up to pain free pushups first. Then and only then should you proceed on to working dips. Yours in Fitness, Coach Sommer He gives no information on how to build up to pain-free push-ups! Anyway, I am wondering if this is a mobility problem, and if so, how does one go about trying to rectify it? All the best, Aaron

Now, I know there is another post stating that this is mostly due to biceps being tight. I'm currently doing the thumbs down against the floor/wall shoulder opener and was wondering if this will be sufficient or if I should add any other exercises? Thanks. Photos of my stiff elbow on the attached photos compared to less stiff elbow. Mostly from overuse (tennis, cricket etc.) I feel no pain when i try to straighten, it's just physically impossible/hard.

Hi All, I intended to mention this at the recent workshop in Vancouver. I have found with a few individuals, when applying the partner chest opener stretch some report a strong sensation of hyper extension in the elbow joint. Experimenting with grip position, reducing the line of pull and easing up the stretch helps reducing the elbow discomfort but does not always yield the optimal stretch through the chest. I have noted these individuals are typically women and present tightness though the arm and/or some hyper-mobility. Any thoughts on how to remedy the elbow strain? Or beginning with other stretches and building up to? Blair