Plate-Loaded Shoulder Press
Also known as: Plate Loaded Overhead Press, Iso-Lateral Shoulder Press, Hammer Strength Shoulder Press, Plate-Loaded Machine Shoulder Press
Body region
Muscles
Main
Helps
Holds
Equipment
Technique
- Load plates on the machine's weight horns and adjust the seat so the handles are at shoulder height.
- Sit with your back against the pad and grip the handles with your hands slightly wider than the shoulders.
- Press the handles upward until the arms are nearly straight.
- Lower under control until the hands are back at shoulder level, then repeat.
Cues
- Keep your back flat against the pad.
- Press evenly with both arms.
- Keep the shoulders away from your ears at the top.
Common mistakes
- Arching the lower back off the pad.
- Locking the elbows out hard at the top.
- Letting the handles drop quickly.
- Setting the seat so low or high that the shoulders strain.