[1Bulk_Mass]

Ok, bit of a rant.

Today working out in the gym I was standing military pressing as I often do. Believing its one of the greatest upper body exercises one can do (but seldom see's) And another Personal Trainer approached me and said its not a functional exercise in that the shoulder joint should not be pressing such heavy loads directly overhead as such. In total disagreement I stated that olympic lifters do it hundreds of times a week and the fact that if one goes on any construction site, labourers (which I used to be) will be also lifting materials over their heads in such a fashion, also hundreds of times a day, and that man has done this movement since the dawn of time. Thus being a perfect example of a functional lift.

His reasoning was that it ought be done on a seated incline at around 15% or so with dumbbells so that it is not so harsh on the rotator cuffs and lower back. He also said that numerous other trainers and bodybuilders he knows agree?

I protested that while seated DB press is a fine exercise, this all too common exercise has its alternatives ie the military press, and that one should train their body to withstand such poundages without the reliance of a cozy incline bench.

Does anybody agree with this line of thought and why? I think it's totally incorrect.

[Freak]

I think it's a fine exercise either way sitting or standing. The problem lies in the person performing the exercise not the exercise itself. Too many people use it as an "ego lift" and end up injured.

[Thomas_Rivera]

I agree, I think its a good excercise, I used to use it often as well.

[Mygeeto]

i feel it in my lower back

[front_row]

I have a tough time not over-arching my back as I press and look skyward.

[Thomas_Rivera]

As with any weight, if you use too much you might not get the right form.

[Broski]

Standing militaries are a staple for bodybuilding, especially mass gains. For the back its okay if you stagger your feet and wear a belt. For shoulders its okay if you leave your ego at home. Standing militaries helped me gain 65 lbs in 11 months and i got the stretch marks to prove it.

[rkl0165]

I have been doing standing military overhead press for 7 years..I don't go over 100 lbs usually less and my shoulders have developed better than any other part of my body..too heavy could be a problem as in any exercise..if it don't hurt keep going and keep form

[Reddie Balanag]

in my opinion barbell for mass, dumbell for curve and cable for cuts

[Reddie Balanag]

if its not good exercise. give a valid reason for the benefit of the all who do not know why????

[rkl0165]

WELL,I DO OVERHEAD PRESS WITH BARBELL I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU DO OVERHEAD PRESS WITH CABLES...

[front_row]

overhead press is a great mass builder. Anyone whose ever had any shoulder injuries can atest to the ocassional twinge while doing overhead presses. With barbells, your palms are facing away, which causes the the shoulder joint to close off, which can lead to shoulder impingement (also very common from flat bench press). "Shoulder impingement" is actually several possible injuries, usually damage to the AC joint.
Dumbbells allow you to perform either flat bench or overhead press with a neutral grip.

I alternate now, since I still think barbells are best for mass

[front_row]

push press is great too, lets you go heavier