Machine Shoulder Press
Also known as: Machine Overhead Press, Shoulder Press Machine, Seated Machine Shoulder Press, Seated Shoulder Press Machine, Machine Military Press, Overhead Press Machine, Seated Machine Overhead Press
Body region
Muscles
Main
Helps
Holds
Equipment
Technique
- Adjust the seat so the handles start at about shoulder height.
- Settle your back into the seat pad and plant both feet.
- Grip the handles with wrists straight and elbows under the hands.
- Press the handles up until your arms are almost straight.
- Lower slowly until the handles are back at shoulder height.
Cues
- Keep your back and head against the pad.
- Press up, not forward.
- Stop just short of locking the elbows hard.
Common mistakes
- Arching the lower back off the pad to finish the rep.
- Setting the seat so low that the start position strains the shoulders.
- Letting the weight stack crash between reps.