Whats the problem behind having excessive momentum in a strength-training exercise?
Momentum usually takes some of the resistance off the working muscles and transfers it elsewhere: like to your joints, bones, and other muscles. It actually makes an exercise easier, which is what you’re trying to do in a weightlifting contest. But in a weightlifting contest, you’re demonstrating strength. In a strength-training workout, you’re building strength. Building strength efficiently requires stricter, harder exercise —not looser, easier exercise. Excessive momentum also precipitates injuries. Instead of having only the weight of the implement, say 50 pounds on the barbell, the momentum involved in fast lifting and lowering can increase the weight of the barbell by three, four, or more times. Instead of having 50 pounds, you temporarily may have 150 to 200 pounds, or more at some phases of the range of movement. Force causes injury, and it’s to your advantage to keep the force low—and most importantly—under control. Furthermore, excessive momentum contributes to mid-range stre
