Shoulder fatigue during bicep lifts

[Patuba]

I have been experiencing a lot of shoulder/trap fatigue when I do bicep curls. I have tried lifting lighter the weight but it doesn't help. Does anyone have this problem or a way to fix it? I try to relax my shoulders when I'm doing biceps but I'm not very successful with it.

[skarotum]

That is kind of strange. I mean, I get a little strain because your shoulders keep your upper arm straight, but not to the point of it affecting my bicep work out.
Do you train your front delts? It is your front delts that primarily keep your elbows from traveling back when curling.

[TheKoiCarp]

Based on the fact I have no idea what curls you are doing or whether you are seated or standing, see what's it like doing preacher curls. They can help eliminate other muscles contributing to your ROM.

[deapee]

Yeah this happens a lot when I do biceps last in a total body workout (with my shoulders). I'll typically do preacher curls if this is the case...or do biceps before any type of lateral raise, if I'm going to do them that day.

[Patuba]

That is kind of strange. I mean, I get a little strain because your shoulders keep your upper arm straight, but not to the point of it affecting my bicep work out.
Do you train your front delts? It is your front delts that primarily keep your elbows from traveling back when curling.

I've added front raised back into my training routine 3 weeks ago. I hope it will help some.

[Patuba]

Yeah this happens a lot when I do biceps last in a total body workout (with my shoulders). I'll typically do preacher curls if this is the case...or do biceps before any type of lateral raise, if I'm going to do them that day.

Both seated and standing db curls and standing ez-bar curls, sometimes concentration curls as well.

[jaminoodlesoup]

OP, I guarantee that your form is bad. If your elbows move forward and you lift the weight too high (roughly past your nipple line) you will start engaging your shoulders and traps. Keep your elbows tucked back and lower the weight and make sure that you are not "swinging". This should fix it.

[jaminoodlesoup]

OP, I guarantee that your form is bad. If your elbows move forward and you lift the weight too high (roughly past your nipple line) you will start engaging your shoulders and traps. Keep your elbows tucked back and lower the weight and make sure that you are not "swinging". This should fix it.

This is specifically in regards to standing curls, btw.

[Patuba]

OP, I guarantee that your form is bad. If your elbows move forward and you lift the weight too high (roughly past your nipple line) you will start engaging your shoulders and traps. Keep your elbows tucked back and lower the weight and make sure that you are not "swinging". This should fix it.

I don't swing the weight but might be lifting it to high. I will use less range of motion and try that. Thanks!

[jaminoodlesoup]

I don't swing the weight but might be lifting it to high. I will use less range of motion and try that. Thanks!

No problem. Try standing sideways in front of a mirror while you lift. You will be able to see if your elbows creep forward that way.

[kehoe45]

I would sometimes get strain in my right shoulder while doing standing barbell curls. I would twitch my shoulder outward in between sets. Idk but it worked for me.