Sholder press

Description

There are so many different shoulder exercises it can be difficult to know which ones to do and when. The shoulder press machine is a handy piece of equipment that can play an important part in your shoulder workout. Figure out how and why to use it to help you reach your fitness goals effectively.

What is the shoulder press machine?

Gym floors are packed with different machines. The shoulder press machine is a fixed resistance bit of kit that sees you press overhead from a seated position. It’s also called the seated shoulder press.

Fixed resistance means that the pattern of motion you take when using the machine is completely fixed. You can’t control how you move the weight; you just follow the motion that the machine allows. This makes it different from using free weights, where the way you move them is up to you.

The amount of resistance on the machine can be easily altered, most often by adjusting which weight the pin is sitting at. Or how many plates are loaded onto it.

How do you do use the shoulder press machine?

First, hop onto the seat and make sure it’s adjusted to your height. The bars should be at shoulder height. You should be seated comfortably, with your back against the pad, your feet flat on the floor, and your knees bent at a right angle around shoulder width apart.

Hold the bars that are sticking out in-front of you with a strong pronated (overhand) grip. Your elbows will be bent.

Push the weight upwards and over your head. The pattern of movement will be fixed by the machine. Pause at the top, but don’t lock out the elbows.

Lower back down in a slow and controlled motion, and keep the tension of the weight at the bottom ahead of the next rep. Don’t let the weight drop back down onto its resting place.