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Also known as: Shoulder press.

Technique

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a Dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level.
  2. Press the weights overhead, extending the arms fully.
  3. Lower the weights back to shoulder level in a controlled manner.
  4. Inhale while lowering, exhale while pushing the weight up.

Form tips

  • Elbows should be facing more forward than to the sides.
  • Tighten your core to support the spine throughout the movement.
  • Maintain a straight posture; avoid leaning backward or arching your back.
  • Keep the movement slow and controlled, avoiding jerking motions.
  • Keep the wrists over the elbows.
Logging: Total weight used.

Muscles

Strength

Primary

  • Back
  • Serratus anterior
  • Shoulders

Secondary

  • Chest
  • Triceps
  • Rotator cuff
  • Forearms
  • Lower trapezius
  • Serratus anterior
  • Anterior deltoid
  • Middle deltoid
  • Triceps brachii (long head)
  • Triceps brachii (medial head)
  • Triceps brachii (lateral head)
  • Supraspinatus

Equipment

Appears in

Other disciplines
Joint movements
trains stretches

Progressions

e00g

Barbell overhead press

Beginner - Elite
e14x

Arnold press

Novice
e14y

Alternating Arnold press

Novice
w005

Clean and press

Intermediate
w006

Power clean and press

Intermediate
w007

Back squat press

Novice
w008

Goblet squat press

Novice
w024

Extended deck squat

Novice
w029

Deep push-up press burpee

Intermediate

Regressions

e0fg

Banded overhead press

Beginner
e0jk

Single dumbbell overhead press

Beginner
e13c

Single kettlebell overhead press

Beginner
e159

Dumbbell seated overhead press

Beginner
e1cr

Machine shoulder press

Beginner

Variations

e00g

Barbell overhead press

Beginner - Elite
e159

Dumbbell seated overhead press

Beginner
e1cs

Neutral-grip machine shoulder press

Beginner
e0ka

Sit and press

Novice
e0h3

Push press

Beginner
e0jv

Kettlebell bottoms up press

Novice
e0oc

Diagonal delt raise

Beginner
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