Stuck on overhead press?

fairweather2 wrote: »

Sam_I_Am77 wrote: »

To everybody else's point the Press can trail behind other lifts depending on how your training is programmed. If you can post a video that might help a little. Make sure your elbows aren't flared out. Also, make sure when you press the bar isn't getting out in front of you as you're losing strength when you do that. Breathing is perhaps one of the bigger difference makers because it can be hard to breathe during the Press. Before your first rep suck in a belly full of air, hold it and press then you can release it during the top, on the way back down take in another big belly of air, repeat. This one of the biggest things that helped me get my press up.

The Lats are often forgotten about in pressing exercises, but their important as they help support the eccentric motions. You may want to do 2 or 3 sets of Lat Pulldowns, heck you can even super-set them with your Press to save time.

I definitely need to be more conscious of form/breathing! Totally guilty of just pushing up and hoping for the best sometimes I don't have a video to hand but these are great tips, might help to pay proper attention to a mirror from time to time

I have been neglecting lats recently but was quite a fan of pulldowns so yeah might throw them back into the mix!

It sounds like you know what you need. Breathing, really with any exercise, is key. The press is simple but the upright position makes the breathing tough when the load gets heavy. I still screw up my breathing here and there and it does usually cost me a rep or if I'm going for a max effort lift, a missed attempt.

Lats are mas importante'! Remember there's more-or-less a ying-yang relationship in all exercises. In Pressing movements the "pulling muscles" support one component of the movement and in pulling movements the "pressing / pushing muscles" support one component of the movement. In general, the Lats are often overlooked. When one thinks of the body's Movement system, they tend to think of your hamstrings, quads, and hips, but the lats are actually part of the Movement system. If you think not just about exercise but your general posture and movement while you walk, run, sit; you're lats are a big part of it.

This guy is a beast. This is where I learned the stretch reflex. He also talks about grip and improving tricep strength.

http://www.allthingsgym.com/3-ways-to-increase-your-overhead-pressing-strength/