Bodyweight Progressions

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,

I was wondering if there is an effect from using a set weight and

then increasing the range of motion to progress in an exercise. For

example, is it beneficial to use a certain weight for the bench press-

-one which you can only manage the top part of the press with--and

then gradually increasing the range of motion until one can do

a 'full' bench press with the same weight.

These reason I am asking this question is because people in my gym

are starting to get upset over the sickening thud that happens when

my face hits the floor during a Glute-Ham Raise (ala Coach Davies).

I was wondering if it is wise to do only partial reps in this

bodyweight exercise and gradually increase the range of motion until

I can do the full exercise.

Have there been any studies of this effect? It seems that, for

bodyweight exercises (chins, glute-hams, dips, etc.), this is a

method that could possibly be used.

From my limited readings of Dr. Siff's works, could this be part of

the stretch-shortening cycle?

If this is not a viable method, are there any suggestions from the

group as to how to be able to do these bodyweight exercises?

Best wishes,

Gurney

Calgary, Canada