General
alligator arms
What does alligator arms mean?
Failing to use full range of motion, as if your arms were too short (like an alligator's) to complete the movement.
"Lock it out — none of those alligator arms on the press."
Origin
Humorous gym slang for cutting reps short; borrowed from a similar American-football insult.
Frequently asked questions
What does alligator arms mean in the gym?
It's a joking term for cutting reps short and not fully extending or locking out, as if your arms were too stubby to complete the movement.
Where does the term alligator arms come from?
It borrows from American football, where 'alligator arms' describes a receiver who won't reach out for a catch to avoid a hit.
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