Overhead Press
Purpose/ Benefits
The purpose of this exercise is to target the upper body, specifically the chest, shoulders and triceps. This exercise is beneficial for individuals who want to focus on strengthening their upper body as it does not use the lower body. Additionally, this exercise can translate to any sport that requires moving an object overhead or throwing it.
Execution and how to perform this exercise:
When performing this exercise:
Ensure that the core is braced
Maintain shoulders down and away from the ears
Have elbows tucked slightly inwards
Setting Up:
Set the bar height to slightly lower than shoulders
Ensure that arms are equally placed on either side of the bar
Bring arms out to 90 degrees and grab the bar
Squat slightly to grab the bar and have it rest evenly on top of shoulders
Upward Movement:
With step 1 in mind, tuck the chin back
Press the barbell overhead
As the bar comes near head height, peak the head forward
Imagine peaking your head through a window
Continue to press until arms are fully extended
Downward movement:
With control, begin to lower bar
When bar nears head height, tuck chin in again
Lower the bar until it is near the shoulders
Repeat steps 2 to 4 for 8 to 12 repetitions for 3 sets