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Shoulder press in front of the head

The overhead press or military press specifically targets the shoulder muscles and is an essential part of your upper body workout.

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Preparation

Position your sled so that the handlebar is at the level of your upper chest.

Starting Position

Take a stable stance and keep your back straight. The handlebar is located at the level of your upper chest and your hands grip the handlebar wide apart.

Execution

Press the handlebar evenly upwards until your arms are fully extended. Then slowly move them back - just before reaching the bottom point (starting position), press the handlebar back up again.

Variants

In this exercise, you can vary the grip width to create different training stimuli. You can find more variations for shoulder training below.

Muscles Used

Shoulders
Triceps

Tip

Make sure to always maintain a stable, straight posture. Avoid arching your lower back and keep your core engaged. Do not raise your shoulders up, keep them down.

The shoulder press, also known as the overhead press or military press, is a classic strength exercise that targets the shoulder muscles and the upper body.

What makes this exercise particularly effective?

The shoulder press is a fundamental strength movement that primarily strengthens the deltoid muscles while also challenging core stability. The controlled overhead motion activates not only the deltoids but also the triceps and core muscles. The exercise can be performed with a bar and in various grip widths, each targeting different areas of the shoulders.

What effect does this exercise achieve?

  • Targeted shoulder activation: Pressing overhead intensively engages the front and side deltoids.

  • Triceps strengthening: The triceps support the pressing motion and contribute to overall arm strength.

  • Improved core stability: Keeping the torso upright places continuous tension on the abdominal and back muscles.

  • Better posture: Strong shoulders help stabilize the upper body and support an upright posture.

How does this exercise fit into the Big 5 concept?

The Big 5 include the essential compound exercises: squat, deadlift, bench press, pull-up or lat pulldown, and the shoulder press. The shoulder press is the key upper-body pressing movement within this concept. It specifically develops the shoulder muscles, enhances core stability, and supports overall upper-body development. For athletes who prioritize strength, muscle mass, and good posture, the shoulder press is an indispensable exercise.