Q&A: Elbow Tendonitis, Lower Back Pain, and More!

Matt and Scott are back with another round of Thursday Q&A. If you’d like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we’ll feature you on a future Q&A episode!

Episode Summary

Matt and Scott answer listener questions about elbow tendonitis, breathing in the deadlift, lower back pain, and more.

Topics covered

• Elbow tendonitis: managing elbow pain while continuing to squat, press, and bench.
• Breathing in the deadlift: how to breathe and brace for a heavy pull.
• Lower back pain: how to think about back pain and keep training safely.
• And more: additional listener questions.

Elbow pain in lifters is often linked to grip and wrist position in the squat. Adjusting how the bar is held usually takes pressure off the elbows.

For the deadlift, a big breath held against a braced trunk helps keep the spine stable during the pull. Most episodes of lower back pain are not serious, and many lifters recover faster by continuing to move and train with adjusted loads rather than resting completely. Severe or lasting pain should be checked by a medical professional.

Have a question of your own? Send it to questions@barbell-logic.com and it may be answered on a future episode.

Key takeaways

• Grip and wrist position can cause or relieve elbow pain.
• Brace with a big breath before a heavy deadlift.
• Most back pain isn’t serious, and staying active often helps.
• See a professional for severe or lasting pain.

Q&A episodes like this one are a good way to hear how Barbell Logic coaches think through real problems that lifters run into. If one of the topics above matches what you’re dealing with, listen to that segment, then apply the advice to your own training. A good coach can help you sort out which changes make sense for you.

Want a coach to answer your questions and guide your training week to week? Learn more about Barbell Logic online strength coaching.