I'm getting a lot of concerned looks page

[heatseeker]

Both my shoulders are currently sporting nasty bruises from practicing cleans a lot lately. I did Crossfit's Grace workout (30 clean and jerk for time) on Saturday, and did 5x5 power cleans this morning. My form has improved by about 5000% with all the practice, but somebody please reassure me that I'll eventually stop bruising the crap out of myself! Someone at work is going to sit me down for the "who's hurting you" talk soon!

[2tall]

Once you learn how to gently meet the bar in its path, you'll stop bruising so much.

[Owly]

May I suggest investing in some non-sleeveless tops for post-cleans days?

But really, you will bruise yourself less as your form improves, but for something like Grace, you're likely to still smack yourself now and then. I usually end up with a bruise on my collarbone. I also get bruises where the bar rests on the front of my shoulders for front squats because I tend to bruise easily and have very fair, thin skin, and the pressure by itself can bruise me enough that it shows.

If they ask about your bruises, just flex at them and ask if they think anyone is beating you up.

[heatseeker]

If they ask about your bruises, just flex at them and ask if they think anyone is beating you up.

Slow clap. This is definitely the answer.

[Noctiluca]

Yup. Almost every time I do heavy-ish cleans I bruise a collar bone. I'd go with the 'wear a shirt that covers the bruises' approach if you don't want people asking. And if they do ask just explain that its from lifting weights.

[2tall]

Keep those shoulders up, the bar shouldn't touch your collarbone

[cori93437]

Yup. Almost every time I do heavy-ish cleans I bruise a collar bone. I'd go with the 'wear a shirt that covers the bruises' approach if you don't want people asking. And if they do ask just explain that its from lifting weights.

... and if they don't believe you just invite them to join you in the guy for a demonstration, where you will show them how to Clean and they can get some fresh bruises of their own.

[heatseeker]

Thankfully I'm not bruising my collarbone, it's just some nice purple marks on each shoulder.

Sleeves it is, I guess. Am I the only one who finds it ironic that part of why I work out is to show off the bod, but then I'm too bruised up to do so?

Whatever, I kind of don't care because cleans are so fun. I went through the same thing when I was learning KB snatches, and walked around with huge raised purple welts on each forearm for a week or so before I got the technique down.

[TorMag]

Wear 'em as the Badge of Honor that they are.... And circle 'em with a red sharpie...

[Alex Good]

"Accidentally" send an email to everyone which was meant for your boyfriend saying the following: I'm sorry honey, please don't spank me again.

And let the funny wash over you.