Q: I experience shoulder pain when I do barbell bench presses. Why?

–Max Dennison
New York

A: When you do barbell bench presses, the bar can put a tremendous amount of stress on your shoulder joints, including the infamous rotator cuff muscles. Often, this occurs because the barbell may inhibit your natural range of motion. Try switching to dumbbells instead -- they will improve your range of motion so that you can follow the natural range and mechanical flow of your shoulders.

–James Villepigue, CSCS

Want more useful tips? Pick up the January/February issue of Maximum Fitness -- on newsstands December 15, 2009.