An armrest mounted to a base and a method of inhibiting the movement of an armrest is disclosed. The armrest comprises an armrest support member adapted to be coupled to the base, the armrest support member being movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. The armrest also includes a release mechanism configured to selectively engage the armrest support member to retain the armrest support member between the first position and the second position. The method comprises operating the user interface to reduce friction between the cam and the rail sufficient to permit movement of the armrest support member, moving the armrest support member between the forward position and the rearward position, and releasing the user interface whereby the cam applies sufficient friction to inhibit movement of the armrest support member.