Range of Motion: Choose the Movement You Can Train Well

Oct 3, 2023

2 min read

Updated: 23 hours ago

Range of motion describes the movement used in an exercise. Full and partial repetitions are programming choices; neither label, on its own, tells you whether a particular exercise is appropriate for you.

Define the task clearly

Write down the range you intend to use and keep it reasonably comparable when tracking progress. A heavier lift achieved by shortening the movement is not the same performance as a heavier lift through the previous range.

Depth, joint position and equipment setup also depend on the exercise and the person. A squat and a machine press do not share one universal definition of full movement.

What the research can help with

Range-of-motion reviews examine different muscles, exercises and training outcomes. They support taking the trained range seriously, but they do not justify the earlier claim that partial repetitions inherently harm joints. Findings from one movement should not become an absolute rule for every exercise.

An illustrative progression

Choose a range you can control and tolerate. Practise it consistently. If increasing range is relevant to your goal, adjust one part of the task at a time—such as reducing load while exploring a little more movement—then assess your response.

Partial repetitions may have a deliberate role. They should be selected for a reason rather than introduced unintentionally as fatigue builds or as a way to inflate the logbook.

Persistent pain or a rehabilitation restriction needs individual advice. For ordinary training, prioritise a repeatable task that serves your goal, rather than a visual standard borrowed from someone with different proportions and equipment.