I’ve generally heard that the cross-armed styles is less safe for the back then the weightlifter style. I’m just now starting to work up with a weight-lifter grip, but I still use the cross-armed style for top sets. I can feel the difference for myself but I’m wondering what is the exact bio-mechanical reason for it?
I can’t imagine there’s a significant difference, however the O-style is more stable, and it also puts slightly more bodyweight to the front, which would result in a slightly more upright posture. And I emphasize the word “slightly.”
[quote]der Koning wrote:
I’ve generally heard that the cross-armed styles is less safe for the back then the weightlifter style. I’m just now starting to work up with a weight-lifter grip, but I still use the cross-armed style for top sets. I can feel the difference for myself but I’m wondering what is the exact bio-mechanical reason for it?[/quote]
With the cross-face grip, you’ll have a bit more internal rotation and horizontal adduction of the humeri. As such, the scapulae aren’t as retracted; this can cause some individuals to round over with heavy weights. In my experience, though, the difference between the two is negligible.