Weight limits on shoulder exercises

I wanted to throw a question out to the group. I can't find anything specific on this subject so I thought I'd ask around. I was told by someone who teaches general fitness classes at the gym I attend that you should never lift more than 15lbs over your head for shoulder exercises. Has anyone ever heard that? I can understand that theory if you've had shoulder surgery or shoulder issues, but I'm healthy and have no issues. She was shocked when I mentioned I use 45lb dumbbells for shoulder presses. Anyone else heard this?

Thanks.
 
I've never heard this either, not for something like a shoulder press.

And if you look at any bodybuilding mag, you'll see guys on steroids pushing way more than 45's in each hand.

I can think of only two reasons she said this (and said it incorrectly)...

1. that you shouldn't do too much overhead pressing without a back rest. you want a solid core for over head presses and trying to so them standing or seated without a back rest could lead to a lower back injury

2. maybe she's thinking of a couple rotator cuff exercises, adn these are typically only done with light weight, to prime the rotator cuff before some heavier shoulder or back work.
 
Shoulder Exercises

I'm not sure. We were performing some Kettlebell exercises when she brought it up. We were using a 12kg kettle bell and she said that was too much when we were doing shoulder press to squat movements.
 
That sounds like on of those rediculous truisms spouted by the average inept fitness center trainers, like squats are bad for you, do hundreds of crunches to get a siz pack, do hours of cardio to loose weight, heavy weights will make you manly, etc.

The average healthy fit joe should be able to military press their body weight without any damage to their shoulders with the proper form and training.
 
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