Overhead Press form

gemiwing

Having some issues with my overhead press and wondered if anyone else had the issues or had pointers. I know it's a lot and I don't post here often- just looking for some tips or what have you.

When I do the form to where it looks right (when I review my workout tapes) I don't feel anything in my shoulders. If I go a little infront of my nose on the pass- my shoulders feel activated. Am I leaning to far forward or backward perhaps?

When I move my head back my arms swing forward to compensate for the movement- is this just because I'm still using light weights? I assume throwing my 8lb head backwards won't affect 80lbs the way it does 20lbs?

Elbows- I can't seem to get my elbows infront of the bar and keep my hands off my shoulders- it's one or the other. I've been doing stretches to open up my chest (standing with weighted BB and pinched blades z.b.) so you think that'll help?

ishtar13

Looks like no one answered you.

Have you read and watched the Rippetoe stuff on the presses?

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ:The_Lifts#The_Press

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Video#Press

He goes into great detail.

gemiwing

Looks like no one answered you.

Have you read and watched the Rippetoe stuff on the presses?

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ:The_Lifts#The_Press

http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Video#Press

He goes into great detail.

Thank you! I'm going to watch these now

snowstorme

These helped me alot with my form. He has alot of videos on various lifts that go into great detail. I find I've got to watch them multiple times to catch it all.

irridia

Just wanted to let you know that OHP are effing hard and form is really tricky. I had to go to shoulder presses because I just wasn't progressing and I was arching my back too much. I just started w/the OHP again and I think strenthening my shoulders w/seated dumbell presses, (back to the upright bench) really helped), we'll see if I can get past 75 which is where I recall failing last time. my next OHP lift is 60 so we'll see if my form breaks down.

My guess is nobody has tips because it is just so hard and no one really feels confident they are doing it right. I know I don't. :grumble:

_GlaDOS_

Those are awesome links. Here is the stronglifts one: http://stronglifts.com/how-to-overhead-press-with-correct-technique/

I know I do them seated, but it helps me to make sure the bar is higher (near my collarbone and not my chest) when starting, and as I push up, my forehead moves forward and allows me to really push that bar up. Keep your chest out and big. And you should be feeling it in other places, like your back and chest, not just your shoulders.

gemiwing

Thanks ladies- it's frustrating but I'm working on it! The videos are awesome

I'm digging the standing ones but if it takes being seated and doing separate core stuff I can do it. I do kettlebells anyway so that's some core at least.

I tried something to 'trick' me and it seems to be helping. Instead of thinking 'push this up above your head' I now think 'get below this mother and don't let it fall'. Tightens up my core immediately and helped stop the duck butt I was working with.