Overhead Press

Pressing weight from the shoulders to overhead while standing — shoulder and trunk strength that carries a tall posture.

Setup

Weight at the shoulders, elbows slightly forward, feet hip-width, glutes and abs braced.

How to do it

1. Press straight up, moving the head slightly back to clear the path.
2. Finish with the weight stacked over the shoulders and hips, arms locked.
3. Squeeze the glutes so the lower back cannot arch.
4. Lower under control back to the shoulders.

Common mistakes

• Leaning back and turning it into an incline press.
• Pressing forward of the body line.
• Legs bouncing to help (that is a push press — fine, but a different exercise).

Scale it

Easier: Seated dumbbell press with back support, or lighter dumbbells.

Harder: Standing single-arm presses (adds a big core demand), or heavier load.

Pairs well with