If you’re looking to add a new exercise to your routine, or want to switch things up, the shoulder press is a great option. This move works your shoulders, upper back, and arms, making it perfect for those looking to build strength and muscle.
In this article, we’ll show you how to properly do a machine shoulder press, as well as offer some tips and benefits of this exercise.
By the end, you’ll know everything you need to about adding this move into your workout routine!
What are the benefits of a shoulder press?
The shoulder press is a weightlifting exercise that targets the shoulder muscles. By doing shoulder presses, you can improve your strength, muscle mass and definition. The shoulder press is also a good exercise for overall upper body strength.
When you do shoulder presses, you work the deltoids, or shoulder muscles.
The deltoids are made up of three muscles, the anterior deltoid, the lateral deltoid and the posterior deltoid.
The anterior deltoid is the muscle in the front of your shoulder, and it helps lift your arm forward.
The lateral deltoid is the muscle on the side of your shoulder, and it helps lift your arm to the side.
The posterior deltoid is the muscle in the back of your shoulder, and it helps lift your arm backwards.
The shoulder press is a good exercise for improving your overall strength. It targets all of the muscles in your shoulders, and it also works other muscles in your upper body, such as your chest, triceps and biceps. This makes the shoulder press a good exercise for strengthening your entire upper body.
The shoulder press is also a good way to increase muscle mass and definition in your shoulders. The more muscle mass you have in your shoulders, the more defined they will be. And by increasing definition, you can create a more athletic appearance.
How to Do a Machine Shoulder Press With Proper Form
When performing the machine shoulder press, you will want to make sure that you use the correct form. This will help ensure that you are getting the most out of the exercise and that you are not putting your safety at risk.
Here are the steps for performing the machine shoulder press with proper form:
1. Sit down in the machine and adjust the seat so that it is comfortable for you. Make sure that the backrest is in the upright position.
2. Grasp the handles with your palms facing forward.
3. Lift the weight off of the peg and hold it at shoulder height with your elbows bent.
4. Press the weight overhead until your arms are fully extended.
5. Slowly lower the weight back down to shoulder height and repeat.
Tips for performing a shoulder press
Here are a few tips that you can follow to help you get the most out of your shoulder press:
1. Use a weight that is challenging but doable. You should be able to perform 8-12 reps with good form before your muscles start to fatigue.
2. Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. This will help stabilize your body and prevent injury.
3. Don’t arch your back or hunch over as you press the weight overhead. Keep your spine in a neutral position throughout the exercise.
4. Breathe steadily as you perform the shoulder press. Inhale as you lower the weight down and exhale as you press it overhead.
5. Focus on using your shoulder muscles to press the weight overhead. Avoid using momentum or swinging the weight up, as this can put strain on your joints and connective tissues.
6. When lowering the weight back down, resist the temptation to let it fall. Slowly and controlled is the way to go.