Comments on: Overhead Press Variations & Which One You Should Do

By: Mehdi

Mehdi — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:06:38 +0000

@Bob
Seated overhead press is a good substitute, but doesn’t have the same benefits as standing. I’ll publish an article soon on the seated version.

By: bob

bob — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:45:14 +0000

hey just one thing, i do my weights in a shed, the roof is too low to do the overhead press standing up, is it ok to do it seated as a substitute? i also had the idea of doing it on my knees, if i rested on a mat for cushioning, would that be alright?

cheers

By: Mehdi

Mehdi — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:54:01 +0000

Here's a picture of how the press should look like at the start of the lift: Read also the article on overhead press & elbow position

By: Jeff V

Jeff V — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:45:00 +0000

Mehdi,

When I do the press with my hands about 3mm from the knurling, is it O.K. for form if my elbows flair out? Or is it best to keep them tucked in?

Thanks

Jeff

By: Mehdi

Mehdi — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:16:30 +0000

I didn’t mean less compressive force. I meant less stressful in general. You’re seated, so you don’ thave to stabilize the weight using the core as much as standing. If you press multiple days a week, the seated press could done on a light day for this reason.

Haven’t read any book by McGill yet btw.

By: galapogos

galapogos — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:04:15 +0000

Hey mehdi,
Are you sure the seated press actually causes less lumbar spine compressive forces than a standing one? I’ve actually read differing opinions on this, so I’m wondering where you got your information from. I wonder if Dr Stuart McGill has said anything about this?

By: sasper

sasper — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:22:36 +0000

I think a combination of a few of the different presses always works well. I’ll do 5 sets of clean and jerks at the beginning of my workout, then 5 sets of military presses towards the end of my workout to isolate and hit the shoulders even more. It seems to be working, too.