As we all know, Monday is International Chest Day. But if you've been celebrating for a few years, you've probably experienced shoulder pain at one time or another.

Today's quick tip video offers some options with training with shoulder pain (or to prevent it) so you can still pump up zee pecs. 

Main points:

1. If you're really in a lot of pain*, step away from the barbell for a few weeks -gasp!- and try dumbbells with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). This will open up the shoulder space and allow you to still press will minimizing the risk of pinching and causing more irritation. 

2. Switch from open-chain exercises to closed-chained exercises. For example, swap out the barbell or dumbbell presses for pushups. (You'll have to watch the video for an explanation on the differences.) 

3. Increase the total volume of rowing. Often niggling shoulder pain can be dealt with by strengthening the upper back and balancing out front/back bits of the shoulder (those are the technical terms...). We like to press and we don't like to row; therefore, we ought to row more. 

Go forth and press!  

*If you have structural damage, these tips will only go so far. If you're in a lot of pain, you should go to a doctor to get a diagnosis or ensure nothing major is wrong. Make sure you follow the rule: if it hurts, don't do it.