Q:  I’ve got a bad shoulder and can’t get the dumbbells in place for presses. Is there anything out there that can get them in place, as when they’re up there, my shoulder still allows me to go heavy?

A:  What you need is a pair of power lifting hooks. These contraptions will automatically put the dumbbells in pressing position, in the process eliminating the need for a spotter. If you’re not familiar with power hooks, it’s time you checked them out. They are simply hook on cradles that slip onto a bar when it is sitting on a rack (for instance, the bench press bar). At the other end are spring clamps that allow you to attach the hooks to a pair of dumbbells. You can thus load the dumbbells onto the hooks (which are made from special steel alloy) before you get in position for the exercise.

You need to start with light weights as you experiment with the hooks. At first the movement will feel a little awkward and restrictive but you will soon get into the groove of pressing within the hooks. Once you do, you’ll be performing a much safer exercise, as the weights will only drop as far as the bottom hooks if you fail during the lift. The hooks will also allow you to lift more weight. It is impossible to kick up to the start position of a press the actual weight that a person is capable of lifting. The maximums that you think you are achieving are actually limited by the initial getting into position. If you don’t believe this, imagine if you had to clean a barbell from the floor in front of you each time you did the barbell bench press. Think you could lift the same weight? I don’t think so. Well, the same goes with dumbbells. So, the hooks will allow you to increase mass and strength by working with heavier dumbbells.

The power hooks fit all dumbbell sizes and can be attached and removed in seconds. They are ideal for use on flat and incline presses as well as dumbbell shoulder presses. Not only will they overcome the limitations imposed by having to clean the weights into starting position, they will allow you to lift heavier and more safely.