Do This EVERY Time You Overhead Press (MORE STRENGTH!)

If you perform the overhead press for your shoulders and are looking to build more strength on the exercise, then you are going to want to watch this video. The key to any movement done for strength is to make sure your bar path is efficient. While inefficiency may serve you well when you are attempting to simply build muscle, it will derail your ability to get stronger as quickly as possible.
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Here, I break down the inefficient movement of the bar during the overhead press and what you can do to make sure you get it right every single time.
First, it is important to point out that most of the time the inability of the lifter to press the bar straight up overhead comes from a lack of proper shoulder mobility and flexibility. The result of this is that that bar is often times pressed out in front of the body rather than up over the head and shoulders. This actually creates more tension in the front delts, which as I said, could be ok if you wanted strictly to create more hypertrophy of those shoulder muscles.
That said, the OHP is often done as a barbell strength exercise and therefore the pressing of the bar out front is not serving your best interests.
So, if your shoulders are not cooperating with you and it is their immobility that is causing you problems when you perform the lift, there is something you can do every single time you overhead press that will help to instantly get your shoulders better prepared to perform the lift.
Grab a 25, 35 or 45 pound plate and hold it at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. Be sure to let your thumbs ride up the back side of the plate for additional support. Now, press it overhead and attempt to reach it backwards at the top (almost as if you were trying to hand it to someone behind you). With each rep, feel as if you reach higher with straighter elbows and are able to get the plate behind you even a little bit more.
The reason why this works so well is due to three things.
First, this is a loaded mobility drill for the shoulders. Often times, people will spend their time focusing on mobility drills that don’t incorporate a load into them. What happens is, even if you feel loose after doing them, when you go back and put your body under some weights the carryover from the drill is minimized. This is due to the fact that the muscles are firing differently under load than they are without.
Second, this combines both requirements of a proper overhead press in one movement. Shoulder external rotation and thoracic extension. One without the other will never produce an arm that is capable of moving straight up overhead due to bony blocks that become involved due to the simple anatomy of the shoulder.
Third, this primes the stabilizing muscles of the press in ways that help reinforce the proper mechanics of the shoulder joint during the press. In other words, with one of the main roles of the rotator cuff muscles to centralize the head of the humerus within the glenohumeral joint during overhead pressing, the act of externally rotating the shoulders as a result of grabbing a plate rather than a bar (with an overhand grip) and holding it low enough to encourage even more rotation, allows these muscles to realize the need for them to get involved.
Perform 3-5 repetitions of this in a slow and deliberate manner. Attempt to get back a little further each and every time you press the plate overhead.
Of note, it is important to make sure that you always press overhead from within something called the scapular plane. This is an angle of about 30-40 degrees forward from the plane of the scapula. This ensures that the arm travels up and down with the least impediment to its movement within the joint. Even when the arm appears as if it is finishing behind the head, it is not. In fact, it’s the body moving around the bar rather than the bar and shoulders moving around the body that you are seeing. The arm never leaves the scapular plane if this is executed properly.
As always, it is important to put the science back in strength when it is strength gains that you are after. If you want a program that does this while helping you to build a ripped athletic body, be sure to head to athleanx.com via the link below and use the program selector to find the plan that best matches your specific goals.
For more videos on how to build bigger shoulders and the best way to increase your strength on the overhead press, be sure to subscribe to our channel via the link below and remember to turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published.

[@athleanx]

*NOTIFICATION SQUAD GIVEAWAY* - It’s back!! Alright guys, I’m giving away a complete 30 Day Workout program to 100 lucky clickers within the first hour this video is published! Remember, this is NOT THE FIRST 100, but those randomly selected within the first hour the video is published. Click the link to see if you’ve won. No strings attached! giveaway.athleanx.com/ytg/overhead-press If you don’t win, no worries, you’re not going away empty handed. Just be sure you have your notifications turned on so you can get to my next video quickly and try again. Good luck and thanks for being a loyal subscriber…

[@xVortexinator]

.

[@fernanfuentes4094]

Love you jeff

[@yesnt8907]

WON

[@Matt2299]

Insta loss! Whoooooooo!

[@tianyumickliu4048]

nice

[@antoniorl7549]

Jeff must have implemented microphones into our gym benches when they were manufactured because he always seems to know what we are struggling with

[@alexandrudinca3080]

I was literally doing ohp when i checked my notifications and saw this.

[@LinkerParker]

Just this morning i got extremely frustrated because i couldn't manage to progress my already ridiculously lightweight OHP, and i immediately thought "Later today i'll check if Jeff has done any helpful videos on the matter". I open KZbin 10 minutes ago and this is literally the very first video on the front page. Upon watching it, now i realize that i always got the bar path wrong and i was actually doing a standing bench press instead of a proper OHP. That's some next-level mind-reading shit

[@AB-py6jl]

Yeah I was just wondering about this last week

[@ImJasonForever]

So freakishly true lol

[@ac2395]

If I talk about a lift 3 times a week on video, you really think at some point I’m not gonna end up talking about the lift you’re doing today? I was doing deadlifts today. Looks like this isn’t relevant at all. Does that prove anything?

[@pretty.cool.sports]

I like how he makes Jesse do the bad versions of the exercises.

[@davids3539]

From some other videos I think Jeff has some shoulder injury so can't press straight up himself. He doesn't put his head forward under the bar. He knows good form and how to teach it, just can't demonstrate it himself. Plus might as well use Jesse :P

[@ClassicBro1212]

Hahahajaha. Gold

[@pretty.cool.sports]

@@davids3539 Yeah, I xan see that. I got a shoulder injury playing football and it isn't the same.

[@3starbadman]

It also helps that he isn't doing them with a whole lot of weight too

[@kiosu_batsu]

Lol so true

[@nanrez9762]

I like to imagine Jeff's ideas for videos come from watching Jesse workout

[@sameerkumardash5795]

Dude.. Respect 🙏

[@justanerdwholiftweights4061]

@@sameerkumardash5795 dude joke 🙏🏻

[@sameerkumardash5795]

@@justanerdwholiftweights4061 I knw.. I respected the thot process behind the joke.. 😂

[@justanerdwholiftweights4061]

@@sameerkumardash5795 ok ok I get it now 😂😂

[@prabsharankaknia8479]

@@sameerkumardash5795 the THOT process eh? Get ur mind outta the gutter

[@bigbrain7485]

The life of your gains becomes longer when you watch athlean x.

[@isaactaylor1241]

In other words longevity is increased

[@darkzombie1234]

@@isaactaylor1241 for your gains. So no.

[@joeysalazar4356]

Yep, I don't even have to lift any more. I just watch the vids.

[@nycopperwarrior9734]

😁😆😅🤣

[@TrevorHamberger]

I never had gains until I listened to him

[@johnmarston6116]

When you're so early that Jeff's still warming up

[@alipio1660]

Warming up kills your gains, how could you

[@jeffreypaul9428]

When you're so early Jeff is doing facepulls. BECAUSE YOU DO FACEPULLS BEFORE EVERY WORKOUT.

[@przemor1150]

@@jeffreypaul9428 also after every workout

[@DanielGreen61]

Pretty sure that’s impossible

[@froggythefrogpuppet788]

Could I modify this to bulk up my frog legs? Any suggestions?

[@Alfirio]

I like how Jesse looks like he’s actually learning on the spot when Jeff is explaining everything

[@StackBundle]

Jeff probably gets some of his video ideas from Jesses form deficiencies.

[@1ittt]

@@StackBundle smart

[@LeeEverett1]

One day Jeff will retire from fitness, so someone will need to carry the Athlean X brand; my assumption is Jesse will be the guy.

[@konradk7818]

That's Athlean-X! Telling WHAT to do and showing WHY 👍

[@toom4234]

jeff is like if my anatomy teacher was jacked and kept talking about workouts in class

[@jonnuanez2843]

We would all listen and most likely pass the class if that were the case.

[@mr.screenshot9452]

Haha yeah

[@sebastianpersson2859]

Is your teacher always shirtless?

[@aboody1111]

Another thing to note for lack of mobility is the tightness of the lats. Something that really helps me is stretching the lats prior to pressing overhead.

[@user-hk8jw6pl1i]

OHP is my favorite exercise by far. No single exercise did more to improve my physique than this one.

[@Jordan-vr7ip]

I just started doing them and i feel like a king when i do lol.

[@tioender]

For me shoulders to men is like hips to women, they give you the manly look you want, so for me, the main muscular group I would like to train is shoulder, please don't quit posting shoulder training advises frequently, you rock man so thank you very much

[@Xanivert]

same. OHP is prob my favorite exercise of all

[@alexandrudinca3080]

I wish i started doing ohp a lot earlier

[@Xanivert]

@@alexandrudinca3080 better late than never my friend

[@Darth_Mik6]

100% agree dude. Many would say lats but for me, shoulders is the way. The combo traps, shoulders and pecs are the gold trio imo.

[@basselahmed6891]

@@Darth_Mik6 toss in a good shoulder to hips ratio and ur a greek god

[@WickCityLLC]

Recently did this exercise wrong and went through 6 months of nerve damage on my shoulder just for lifting it the wrong way with tilt. I'm finally getting better (this month) and to see a video like this is extremely helpful. Thanks again!

[@jessiesineath7702]

This is literally what causes me the most injuries in the gym period. I really want to fix it

[@noallpro]

@@jessiesineath7702 Literally just stop ego lifting, clearly doing to much weight.

[@Arkadiy961]

​@@noallprofor real

[@topgames2619]

Damn after few classes of anatomy such a vid hits different.

[@HoudaEz0001]

This just saved my life thank you Jeff

[@erosleo7091]

Do a series with exercises for old people. make them less prone to injury.

[@monnoo8221]

either someone applies as a specimen for demonstration, or we have to wait 14y or so....

[@somebody1690]

Thanks Jeff and Jessie, theses short tips and reminders are always great.

[@Super_BeastGirl]

I've been working on my overhead press so I can do my job better so this is super helpful!! I'm going to incorporate this.

[@ms691496]

Ditto

[@noallpro]

UPS?

[@troyedler6383]

I'm going to apply that to my workout routine right away! Always great advice!

[@smokesNedibles]

Gotta say. I have been following most of your work outs. And it’s made a substantial difference.

[@Namrenih]

I really appreciate all the break downs you do. They have really kept me and my lifting friends from making dangerous mistakes that could lead to injuries. Your channel is our gym bible!

[@freekverstegen5224]

Hey Jeff, I just want to thank you for your video about fixing headaches! It really helped me, especially now in lockdown. At the end of the video, you said you would do another video on headaches, looking forward to it!

[@ngrimmett]

This helps me a lot Jeff. All your videos are great & these about shoulder health and movement are extremely helpful to me.

[@alvingardner7943]

Thank you Jeff! I’m new to the community. Very grateful for the ride🙏🏾

[@deking1973]

I like the in-depth explanation you give to the press movement. I have been doing that as you explained but not trully knowing why. Thank you.

[@zahrasyed5916]

You are my inspiration!

[@dharmatal]

i'm a PT and i love your videos. good work!

[@georgeb9285]

This is actually a very helpful for handstands. Thanks

[@constantinethomas6204]

You're awesome. I'm a Strongman in training. Thanks! OHP is vital!

[@constantinethomas6204]

@@AVKYU I did. I am still drinking a gallon of whole milk a day. Rippetoe's advice.

[@the.stormer3248]

Hey, Jeff! I really appreciate all the work you and Jesse do. I have a question what you think about Upper Lower split because you didn't talk about it and if you can give us a sample routine? I just think that it would be awesome for us, the people who train that way, to see your advice for Upper Lower style of training.

[@anitakathait5737]

This is the quality content I subscribed for. Thank you Jeff.

[@kev1arga]

Really needed this. I was just struggling with the overhead press today.

[@1990hotness]

After hours upon hours of watching his videos...I came to the conclusion my whole gym life was a lie

[@empoyvega6795]

Ive always hated overhead press since I started lifting weights until I find this exercise gradually fixing my rounded shoulder posture. Now its one of my all time favorite exercise. I can now press more than 40lbs after learning the right way to do it.

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

Good stuff!

[@SirRisGilleo]

How have you made any gradual progress with this exercise when this video was posted less than 30 mins ago

[@empoyvega6795]

@@SirRisGilleo Im referring to overhead press my friend. And this will be an addition whenever Ill do OHP

[@elisteele574]

Was just watching your CT Fletcher tricept rep off, always glad to see a new video pop up!

[@jackmurphy544]

Thanks for the workouts and stuff Jeff it makes it so much easier to workout during lockdown without a gym. You’re class.

[@Sonic-xg3ox]

2:51 Looks like Jessie's eyes are about to pop out😂

[@4viator767]

4:57 still a better chemistry than between Jack and Rose

[@MrSpermstar]

geeeyyyy

[@Carefullyprepared]

I ran into this problem, 2 frozen shoulders and sciatica later, my gut feeling told me to do this with 2 light dumbbells in the same fashion as the plate, wicked results! Thanks guy's this would be a major problem with most people having shit posture. Well done keep it up!

[@benfahrenthold6328]

I wish I could go back in time 5 years and show myself this video ... Jeff is on a whole another level!

[@tycoda1]

Thank you for this Easter blessing father Jeff

[@benedictcornett4752]

I actually thought when he said there is one exercise that fixes everything, he'd bring out the face pull

[@jasonbaker8657]

Love what your showing has really helped me make corrections to get great gains

[@jessej7111]

Just wanted to drop a thank you -- I'm wearing a nice button-down shirt for Easter and I can see my biceps through it clearly. I feel awesome. You guys are the best!

[@MyDoodad]

I really appreciate you incorporating the skeleton to show how this works well. Very informative.

[@jeffreydiplo17]

More total body dumbbell workouts!!

[@lastmanstanding1930]

Jeff is on the run to fix all my GYM problems and answer all my questions, BIG THANKS TO YOU MAN

[@MaDFroG88]

Great 😊 helpful video as always!! Keep uploading Jeff.

[@STORYVIBE882]

The worst is hitting your chin when going up 🤣🦍

[@neilmarshall2403]

No, the worst thing is hitting the bridge of your nose on the way down.

[@tonyibraham5931]

Or hitting your head going down sweating so much you think you cleared and you didn't.

[@STORYVIBE882]

@@neilmarshall2403 for realllll🤣🤣

[@neilmarshall2403]

@@STORYVIBE882 yeah, for real. Got careless on a warm up set. It hurt but being that stupid hurt more!

[@anawile3152]

Bruised the underside of my chin! Send a picture to my daughter and asked her to guess which body part it was. 😜

[@ShaheenEmerson]

Man never been this early for a Jeff upload!

[@lukestarr8013]

Jeff has widely improved my vocabulary

[@savagejabbit5929]

Face pulls is just two words 😅💪

[@Marko777ify]

You read my mind man I was watching your shoulder press videos yesterday.

[@mykolasbutvila1726]

Hey, Jeff. Unparalleled content, as always. Was wondering if you could make a video concerning the two olympic lifts ? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on biomechanical approach to those exercises and thoughts from PT perspective, possible traumatism etc. Thank you, a loyal follower since 2014 :)

[@nicoleonfeels]

Cheers to getting them gainz, let’s goooo 💪🏽

[@optimisticoutreach1236]

cliche comment...jesus

[@ihadabasedusername354]

Nicole on equipoise?

[@PLK123]

Dababy

[@toir666]

Less goo

[@fbomb7184]

Been lifting for years but still learning stuff. Thank you.

[@sonny3191]

Thanks for explaining in depth how to lift properly. I’m new here but I really like follow along workouts. I’ve checked out a few and there awesome.

[@rozyrose1170]

I really wished you talked about the lower back in this movement in particular

[@peter4350]

Thanks again Jeff! this helped me a lot, as I have been wondering why i have made almost no progress in the past year of doing overhead presses

[@shaharkarp4357]

Thanks for the education and helping in preventing an injury

[@harshchhachhia8482]

I seriously thought he was gonna say - "do your face pulls"

[@vedavyaspb3936]

Jeff is a type of guy who tells us how to s=it in the perfect form

[@alexiberthe2574]

What if i told you that it's killing your

[@djquick2754]

Perfect form is everything my dude 😂

[@garrett3726]

There actually is a better way to do it that people don’t do. You want to completely lean your upper body forward when you’re sitting on the toilet to completely clear everything out effectively. I only know this because I went to PT school because of Jeff

[@drabnail777]

@@garrett3726 you actually need to be in a full squat too

[@spraynpray]

Reminds me of a friend of mine that bought a squatty potty.

[@SonnyJean1108]

I found your a video on shoulder injury and I'm just amazed that one video fix my shoulders you know I didn't know what to do I thought it was a torn rotor cuff I'm just amazed how putting that shoulder in the right position I'm just beginning my recovery though but I just wanted to thank you because you were the best one on on KZbin I locked it a lot of physical therapist and all the stuff that wasn't clear yours was the best video on what to do when you hurt your shoulder and how its impinged

[@HazaraAfguk]

Can’t wait to try this tomorrow night!! Keep it up

[@nafisxfit]

Legend says that everytime Jeff goes for a walk he has a dumbbell in between his legs to create tension and stimulates muscle growth

[@Remington-wl7jp]

Is that a dumbbell in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

[@dwnwa1872]

4:52 - What I will dream tonight when I correct the form of my gym crush

[@stoic_soul7569]

Best channel for gains

[@OFallons]

Love your videos Sir! These little pointers are awesome 👏😎

[@kallvt]

4:11 = when I just want to workout in peace and this random guy just won't shut up trying to make conversation mid series

[@pasajerodelabrujula8261]

Faster than last time!

[@marcelinovalerio1238]

Always great content from Athlen-X.

[@southpawhammer8644]

Priceless information

[@jeffcavalieresfacepulls6343]

Jeff, why have you forgot me

[@tmfoote6]

Jeff, you're mastering the human body while kicking ass as an entrepreneur. That's pretty inspiring, dude.

[@romanokoenmusic]

Never even thought of this. Great video.

[@shawndarudeone]

THANKS JEFF!! Coming in clutch per usual.

[@LilChiariMalformation]

I wish I had this video 7 years ago when I started lifting... took me 4 years to figure out why I couldnt do this.

[@ragibishrak8754]

The month of Ramadan will be in next week, If u can make a video about diet or workout during this month, this can really help out a lot of muslims around the world. 😇

[@dgrooves7]

Really needed this... Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@Fatguyinskinnyjeans]

Great idea including coupon codes in the 100 randomly selected within the first hour! Thanks boys! I’ve been saving a little bit each paycheck to purchase one of your programs for a months now. I can’t wait until i have enough! Getting closer and closer. I already train insane and am pretty strong and athletic. Been training for years. I’m curious and excited to follow/complete one of your master/elite programs. Thanks for all the brilliant content over the years.

[@blessingefese9063]

*My girlfriend telling me to go deeper* Me: That’s as far as it goes!

[@mnish4life]

Don't know the name of thar third guy, but his fat percentage is unbelievably low

[@mcalvarezarrollador9190]

amazing lewandoski from the court to the gym. what a humility and modesty

[@iasked3371]

You always give the best tips.

[@Eric.Bodrenok]

You haven’t even watched the video yet

[@tanmayfadnis5440]

Why I'm unable to win :( I clicked so fast :(

[@Shillybaisuh]

Ohhhh poor thing...

[@CoNSu_11]

Keep clicking! It's real! I've already won \ovo/

[@tanmayfadnis5440]

@@CoNSu_11 Thanks.

[@Mario-wc3mw]

Que pajaaa esperar al video en español, mientras a imaginar que dice XD

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

De donde eyes? Debe ser algun tipo de programa para tradicir..

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

Es lastima por que la informacion es buena y gratis

[@CoNSu_11]

Habla de la rotación interna y cómo impide elevar bien los brazos.

[@semanavidi8694]

Great demonstration, Jeff, very scientific. Thank you.

[@stevefromchicago8277]

This was outstanding instruction, thank you!

[@Sami-nq1zt]

Instructions unclear, externally dislocated my pelvis

[@sheejamolr3106]

ഇവിടെ മലയാളികള്‍ കാണുമോ എന്ന് ചോദിച്ചാല്‍ എന്തായിരിക്കും അവസ്ഥ

[@ARJUNARJUN-il5cg]

jeff top aanu

[@akhilatsify]

2014 മുതൽ ഇവിടെയുണ്ട്...

[@DhruvMassey]

You always help us . Love you❤️

[@stevefowler2112]

Outstanding video...thanx so much. I have torn rotator cuffs/cartilage tears and have to be very careful with my pressing movements but when done correctly help me to build muscle mass to help support my damaged shoulders. This video is a great tip with the warm up plate press.

[@Priyankayadav-cb3wm]

Congrats to everyone who is Early and who found this comment 😇😇

[@JayTVIndia]

Congrats you back 🙏🏼

[@Artist-Vivechan-Paul]

Jeff: How to get a ripped skeleton 🙄

[@geraldlafleur7776]

You have really helped Jeff to transform himself over the months .

[@Ognahx]

I appreciate the short concise video. 💪🏾

[@permit1x.649]

Congrats to everyone who is early and found my comment💍

[@vdbjesper]

Jeff the type of guy to smash someone heads in if his form isn’t right

[@AODStrings]

Jeff - first off, thank you for many years of great videos. Second, you talk alot about shoulder pain and avoiding it but I recently suffered a stage 3 shoulder seperation right at the peak of my physique and conditioning, and I'm having trouble getting back to my old routines. Could you include some info on strengthening supporting muscles for stabilizing the ac joint for those of us that have to live with this set back? Would be greatly appreciated!

[@isakabisuaoliva4938]

The bench press is an excellent exercise if done in the best way , thanks you jesse and Jeff for showing us how it is done best and how it is done ...

[@hikmetbatuhanbalk8797]

Hey jeff, love your vids. I completed both pull up and push up versions of your programs and they resulted very well. Can you please do another 22 days program for shoulders. Thanks.