How To Overhead Press For Bigger Shoulders (5 Mistakes You're Probably Making)

[@JeremyEthier]

Time stamps to each mistake are in the description box! Comment below what other exercises you’d like to see me cover and don’t forget to give me a follow on IG (instagram.com/jeremyethier/ ) to see more informative content. Hope you all enjoyed this one! Cheers!

[@Martian_Manhunter_01]

Thanks for the tips Jeremy! Can you do a video on Bent Over Rows? I've been struggling to get the proper form on those as well.

[@d4mdcykey]

Thank you so much for this; I'm not sure if this video is directly related to a discussion some of us had in previous comment sections regarding shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, but either way this is a VERY helpful video. I also really like the timestamps provided, that is a great go-to shortcut for those of us that will keep returning to the video as we later train. I would give a second vote to the other comment in this thread about Bent-Over Rows, and really any type of *safe & effective* back exercises. Between old injuries and work related mishaps, my back is effed up, upper _and_ lower with bulging disc and I have just given up on back exercises, plus I'm an old fart, haha. But as I slowly heal, I want to have a gameplan in place on what, how, and when to get this area strong again without aggravating it with bad form or time-wasting routines. LOTS of videos out there but bro-science and non-tested workouts is not what I seek. Much appreciation for all you do, man; your series of videos is some of the most no nonsense and pragmatic I've ever seen. Keep up the good work, dude!

[@vincentgordon6753]

Shouldn’t you be finishing with a trap squeeze to avoid the smashing of ligaments in the shoulder joint?

[@firozosman]

Can't it be done sitting? How does it compare with the Arnold Press?

[@firozosman]

Hi JE, Can't it be done sitting? How does it compare with the Arnold Press?

[@TomiAdewoleAdetom]

I found that I got the best results when I removed my head and could perform the lift straight up without worrying about hitting my chin.

[@wakebake7169]

💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@scycosnake3964]

Thats what I do Lol, i hate having to move the chin especially on the heavier lifts that have a slower concentric

[@orangejuicelicker720]

@@wakebake7169 built different

[@mnkiea917]

just twisting your head backward will also work, in case someone take your head away by mistake.

[@magnusstahljacobsen9251]

Good advice, however my problem is that when I remove my head I accidentally die. Any solutions?

[@cindysmallwood5961]

As a 52 year old woman, I know I am not your target market but I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your videos and the superb job you do in demonstrating proper form. I have learned so much about form and technique my personal training certification course work did not cover. Thank you!

[@matthewminogue3276]

I'm pretty sure that you are his target market. His techniques applies mainly to the general crowd lifting lighter weights and not to those into heavier powerlifting i'd say.

[@cornettojordgubb]

This made me happy to read. Although I think you are very much the target audience with your willingness to learn and grow.

[@beastboy9789]

As a beginner, this video is a big big help! Thank you Jeremy!

[@user-od2gc1tj3h]

How’s the progress going?

[@johnlee7699]

💯

[@Taunic]

@@user-od2gc1tj3h He is now Beast Man.

[@tangetaier1783]

@@Taunic lmao

[@climbsta]

Shoulders have been slammed with problems from bad form on press exercises over the last couple years. Videos like this are proving to be absolute life savers

[@KiranKumar-rt1yt]

This is gold standard for Overhead press. Pls do this kind of video for Bench press and barbell rows. Thanq Jeremy

[@ferlou2373]

That’d be great

[@jadezheng7439]

Please please please do one on bench press!

[@DRIVECLUBistimelessPS4]

Watch Jeff Nippard

[@edgetransit3320]

@@kristiann__7 hahahahah im indian but thiis was a great place for this comment

[@siddharthrajan9267]

TriHard you tryna get killd

[@satsunoryu]

Just wanted to let you know the tip about hand positioning and where my elbows are at the beginning of the lift really changed how much I can push comfortably. Thank you so much for that.

[@b.p.7153]

This is your best video yet, Jeremy: the information is excellent (as always), and the graphics are very professionally done. 👍

[@abhijeetgupta8680]

I was doing 4 out of these 5 mistakes. Very informative and helpful video, keep up the good work.

[@musclegaining2058]

Hows ur progress now

[@chiefkeith57]

@@musclegaining2058 he’s dead now

[@WhiteMetal_]

@@chiefkeith57 No wonder ! after 4 out of 5 mistakes what would you expect

[@nomz1362]

i just want to say as a young 16 y/o looking into workouts to get me fit. You are of huge help. My friend can lift way more than me and calls me weak(though he's been working out way longer) but i always ensure that i have proper form as u taught me the importanc of it(even if it means being able to lift less haha)

[@whiteknightgfry]

same boat as you, 16 getting fit. This channel is an exalted repository of inexorable resources that we're very fortunate to access completely for free. cheer and gl c:

[@AVB15]

Friend sounds find of mean

[@memelegacy2047]

Fuck the friend bro work on yourself he shouldn't be bothering you

[@xcrpt]

He’s not your friend

[@joepizzey8581]

Buddy

[@Tousanx]

your tutorials are detailed, and i love that you add graphics to help emphasis the movements.

[@calebtaylor4153]

Phew, this is really good Jeremy. You even included various studies related to this! Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into this.

[@terrellbarrett72]

Love this. Have been having issues with my overhead press. Definitely will try these tips my next gym session

[@KalmBombKanasian]

This video is so thorough and well done. I appreciate the hard work that very clearly goes into your content!

[@maddawgzzzz]

hi

[@shahada4456]

Amazingly put together

[@nik4546]

This is what I call an ultra-researched, absolutely educational and fully informative video. You literally covered everything that could be covered about OHP. Good job.

[@Wraith96518]

kzbin.infoH_wXEPawcDk?feature=share

[@joelr.9330]

Scientific explanation. Leaves no doubt. Thank you.

[@michaelscaturro6326]

That was great. So professionally done. I love the anatomy portions. Very original. Can't wait to start doing things correctly.

[@jadan8434]

You cant do so mutch wron g beleave me

[@twowheelseatingmeals-motoj8080]

This is a staple exercise that my strength and conditioning coach gets all his athletes to do. It was to my surprise when we were just chilling after a workout, he showed me your video! Thanks a lot Jeremy!

[@icejumperke]

SQUAAAAAAD! Damn, your shoulder have grown a lot in the past year 💪 Gratz and thanks for this bro!

[@skaizu]

Shut the fuck up

[@AVB15]

@@skaizu lol

[@quickstep2408]

wow. took me SEVERAL years of watching video after video of overhead/military press tutorials on youtube until i finally found yours. you actually explain it properly as well as including the proper biomechanics. it's important to understand how many factors there are to lifting, especially to beginners. cheers man

[@jjwp-ql5rv]

But, when you type "overhead press" into KZbin, this video is amongst the first on the list. It's a very good video, but there's no need to make up how long it took you to find it. It just makes no sense.

[@quickstep2408]

Jay WiPL you’re obviously new to weightlifting. look up this exercise on youtube and see how informal the instruction is. just gym bro’s teaching you by just doing the exercise. this doesnt teach you shit if youre wanting to refine your technique. been lifting weights for 6 years so i know what i see.

[@quickstep2408]

Jay WiPL lol this coming from a guy who has a mushroom as his pix. keep doing you shrooms and whatever else drugs you do you druggie and gtfo. ppl here actually want to get fit and look forward to their futures. youre not going anywhere. someones told you this before havent they? reality check lol

[@maxszeto7030]

Thanks Jeremy, after a year of lifting and great progress, I found this video and it improved the form of all my main lifts. The recent pains/developing injuries have gone down by a lot. Very well presented and much appreciated!

[@frantic9332]

(sorry for my english) I'm italian, i discovered your videos a few days ago, and I think your videos are the best video that i ever seen on youtube about fitness, training, etc. Congratulations! you're the best!

[@rudylabsilica2286]

I JUST Finished my shoulder workout, right before I see this video. Great, I did everything wrong, gaaddammit! Thanks Jeremy!!! 💪🤪

[@asmodeus58XX]

Be careful. Back arched inwards can be as problematic, if not worse, than the classic worry of arching it outwards like in a bad deadlift.

[@Derflingerblade]

Dude I love you , not only do you point out the mistakes , but adress the bad posture that prevents the good technique ,and show how to fix bad posture. Thats gold. Thanks mate.

[@peterwood5989]

Great video Jeremy! I like how you really emphasize the importance of form. It’s often overlooked when we overemphasize weight. I’d love to see a video (if you haven’t already done one) on the benefits of emphasizing the number of sets (at a lower weight), versus fewer sets at a much higher weight. And a balance of sorts depending on one’s goals. Thanks for all you do!

[@gustavtanciulamadsen2928]

Awesome, got no errors on this one. Nice to get checked up on from time to time

[@roshanrao8801]

Another amazing and comprehensive video. A bent-over barbell row vid would be nice. Just one question: Is there any difference between doing a seated vs standing overhead press?

[@JeremyEthier]

Standing tends to elicit higher anterior, lateral, and posterior shoulder activation if I remember correctly. I covered it in my shoulder video/article: builtwithscience.com/shoulder-workout-science/

[@hermanstray1623]

Roshan R I was wondering the exact same thing!

[@roshanrao8801]

@@JeremyEthier Thanks!

[@megaxzero88]

+1 on the bent-over barbell row

[@tomaszantochow8391]

I´ve also heard that you train your whole anterior and exterior chain more while doing the overhead press. The reason for that being, you use your upper legs, glutes, back and core to stabilize te movement while standing. When you are seated, there is much less stabilization needed.

[@uverpro3598]

I am glad I found this channel. Love the science behind the methods and the clear cut explanation of form.

[@nero66ify]

3:39 Hey Dont show us the false one with heavy load man, take care of you

[@shahargabay2808]

Might be crossfit plates (5 pounds looking like 45)

[@johncarter166]

@@shahargabay2808 bumper plates

[@musclegaining2058]

@@johncarter166 or it aint have for him

[@donnie1718]

@@musclegaining2058 uh what

[@musclegaining2058]

@@donnie1718 im saying that Jeff doesnt have bumper plates

[@akoSi94]

I was looking for a proper explanatiom om how to perform this exercises correctly and found your channel! I know this is already and old video but it helps me a lot. I have been going to the gym constantly 4x a week for 5 months now and this will be the first time i want to incorporate the overhead shoulder press into my routine. Thank you for this easy to follow instruction

[@SirAlexanderdeLarge]

Damn, Jeremy, I've been strugling with this movement. You're a life saver! Keep it up!!

[@intrigued99]

This was the best and the most educational overhead press video I have found on the net! Thank you.

[@davidhartmann4174]

Love these types of videos! Can you make one for incline dumbell press aswell? Also, rotator cuff strenghtening, or shoulder warming up video? And maybe cheap and easy recipes for bulking (to take at work/study)?

[@rushbros]

yup yup yup

[@carloseveri9196]

I think that your videos are really the best on youtube to really understand the correct form to do exercises...congratulations!!

[@planeshaperman]

Wow, you're the first lifting youtuber I've seen cite research directly in the video. That's appreciated

[@easpin26]

Check out Jeff Nippard on youtube. If you are into research-based fitness, you will enjoy watching his videos as well

[@davidlaidbiggestfan212]

I don't know why that matters lmao. Most of these scientific videos are really bad and read horribly.

[@kyle6920]

I just fixed mistake 1 and immediately noticed a huge difference thanks.

[@musclegaining2058]

1)Dont grip too wide. Make your thumbs slightly outisde your shoulders. This lets ur forearms to be positioned under your hands. But when you go up then its cool for your forearm position to move 2)Make path to be straight. Before u start the lift, stick your chest out , as u lift you pull chin back and then pull chin forward after it is over your head. Dont stick head to forward and move bar too far back. 3) 3:22 Dont arch lower back too much. Before you and while you lift squeeze glutes, contract quads and abs. Arching back could be due to tight lats. This restricts overhead movement and then lower back arches to compensate. Do it for few min. After that then do 5:30 to counter thoracic mobility. 4) 5:50 Dont bend wrist too much. Counter this by doing Bulldog grip at 6:16. 5) Dont use momentum and legs when getting tired cuz that is cheating. This will involve more lower body and less shoulders and upper body.

[@ciepularys]

Thanks Jeremy you are amongst the most trusted from the youtube workout community :) great job you helped me a lot

[@perseverance4289]

Perfect timing for a new video as I was already planning to do some overhead presses tommorow afternoon! Thanks again for the quality videos.

[@maddawgzzzz]

How is the exercise working out for you?

[@perseverance4289]

@@maddawgzzzz it's a good exercise however right now im doing other variations. But damn I forgot about this comment and video until you commented on this 😂.

[@vsmrc3743]

4:02 something I self taught myself to help press heavier - very Important! Great to see you've included this, a lot of people don't do this and in return arch their back...

[@LVideos07]

I had a random guy had the audacity to come up to me at the gym doing my shoulder press just like this saying “I’m doing it wrong and to wide grip.. also said I was Uneducated. So thank you for proving to me I’m actually doing this right!

[@arushipandey5151]

Really helped me work on the correct technique

[@Belliaum777]

Man this is scary. I was just today having trouble with this exercise so I was about to do a search on it but saw this video in my recommendations… Thank you I now know why I have not be able to get better results with the overhead press.

[@petercurrall8916]

Awesome, thanks Jeremy. You helped me fix two problems here and my pressing weight jumped up! Your videos are the best!

[@bl5166]

was always told by football coaches, “PUT YOUR HEAD THROUGH THAT WINDOW.” glad to see this so i can fix my form and hopefully fix my shoulder

[@Chirrup...]

Nice one Jeremy! I like the way u show the "How" on Overhead press. It helps me get stronger on the overhead press

[@surendra9202]

Great video, needed this. Can you make a video on barbell rows also. Thank you

[@jamtastic3]

One of the best fitness KZbinrs out there. Explanations are on point. Ace videos mate!

[@markl2095]

yo Jeremy Ethier, I've been on your bulking program since september, I'm so juiced about the gains and cant wait to start the leaning phase. I got a little back pain from mondays overhead solder press, so this video is so clutch. Keep up the good work.

[@arizonatea3734]

Great instruction! Came here just for a review but love the simplicity and multiple angles with bar path and alignments shown!

[@princeekeson12]

I made the mistake of throwing my head too far forward and doing a J curve for the bar path which caused a lot of neck pain. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!! Edit: Subbed.

[@JonathanIvy221]

You're one of the only few on KZbin that provide great content. Good stuff.

[@TedsteryHD]

Holy crap I needed a video like this, always struggling with OHP.

[@rileypaigemc7018]

Thank you!! I was starting with WAY to wide or a grip and my shoulder was clicking. I fixed my flares elbows and have no more problems ! :) thank you !

[@jdude123D]

I've been benching 40kg but been struggling with 27.5kg overhead press for several sessions, can't wait to try out these tips next time thank you! :)

[@Nathan-hs2ut]

You're actually relatively stronger in overhead press than bench lol

[@ManicMoe]

@@Nathan-hs2ut I ohp 2.5kg plates on each side😭😭😭

[@algirdasltu1389]

Same here lol

[@sagarsatara]

Awesome presentation Jeremy.

[@philipmichael7368]

Thanks man! I been doing it correctly except for that grip, gonna try bulldog grip next time ✊🏽

[@deadpooh]

Awesome work, yet again, my friend.

[@Mohtellawi]

This training had my back injured due to the heavy wait that I used to lift, my doctor advised me to take 3 weeks off, so I removed it completly from my programme, I think I should reconsider playing it again but more carefully.

[@yakovpyatnitskov]

Thank you for the high-quality, research-based video Jeremy. It's clear, easy to follow and graphically elegant.

[@luobomu9747]

2:57: "Avoid positioning the bar too far back" - I don't think I have ever seen anyone do that at the gym. Usually the opposite happens, in some cases to the point when it almost looks like a standing incline bench press.

[@WhatLegendsAreMadeOf]

These are really thorough videos. Great Stuff.

[@crosbyrosenthal6576]

God damn it, Jeremy make it 10 minutes so that you can make those racks

[@Miskostas]

Yeah, he really deserves it.

[@amodace]

@Christina Reynolds a rack is specifically $1000 btw

[@sdaisyclaire]

Christina Reynolds squat racks

[@calql8ing]

Going to be trying this for the first time today, this helps a lot better than most PTs I have talked

[@polarized4582]

0:14 When your reps are so good it causes zed time

[@nadybuoy]

Very detailed, Informative and well made video. Thank you.

[@matthewmeyer49]

Was expecting broscience. Surprisingly impressive video

[@tanjiromutsu3240]

Thanks for your efforts brother Jeremy

[@doppek1064]

this helped me so much (love from Turkey)

[@edgetransit3320]

You definitely have one of the best channels for fitness. I see a lot of built guys posting vids and i just see the mistakes they make. I do lots of research, even got certified a few years ago, but sometimes i have little questions in my head. And it's good you break things down to the max. Lets me see exactly what i want to know.

[@lincolnbeckett8791]

YES!!! Once again, a video I really needed. This is by far my hardest exercise to do and the only one which I can't make any progression on. Once my wrist heals, I'll definitely implement all of these. Hopefully it will make doing this exercise easier.

[@popcorn7263]

This is one of the best videos on how to do overhead press. As a beginner, you've saved me from so many potential injuries. Thank you so much!

[@erictaylor6977]

Jeremy, can I get a video on imbalances and a serratus anterior video?

[@JennyNobody]

Appreciate these form videos so much!

[@re431]

How did he know today's my shoulder day?:-!

[@thebeasters]

Love the videos, graphics, explanations for us dummies. Don't change a thing!

[@XxiPoisonZxX]

What about seated overhead dumbbell press

[@adyp5176]

eventually, progression will be limited by the weak points - wrist and rotator cuff linkages (for most people that will be around 30-40kg a side) sure, you can hock those higher weights up using dynamic moves, but you stand a good chance of it landing on your face, especially without a spotter OHP allows higher weights to be moved more safely

[@jacobwithrow5881]

Amazing that this video is 5 years old and still super helpful and educational.

[@chainclasher7290]

Best fitness youtuber 👌

[@aidantsestuart8863]

Apart from athlean x

[@Tweekend27]

@@aidantsestuart8863Too much clickbait, that guy. Elgintensity is whee it's at.

[@BilalSayedArt]

This video is unreal! Thanks so much for this. Literally covered every question I’ve ever had about this.

[@Shazzkid]

Using your legs when youre fatiguing can help with overloading, so long as you are controlling the negative

[@thisxgreatxdecay]

Or, as some of us like to call this method, "cheat and recovah."

[@tallmanmusclejourney4185]

Simple and outstanding. Love the clear cut content.

[@ayo_k32]

My back curves and it really happens bad because I have anterior pelvic tilt

[@fab2lats]

Same for me. My normal posture already looks curved so when i press its even worse

[@childofardour3200]

Mate this is gold. Thanks for such an insightful video

[@h_wavey7006]

TIME STAMPS: Mistake 1 (Flaring Elbows): 0:51 Mistake 2 (Curved Bar Path): 2:06 Mistake 3 (Arched Back): 3:18 Mistake 4 (Bent Wrists): 5:49 Mistake 5 (Using Momentum): 6:32

[@leocvstillo]

Finally found a video without BS💪🏼

[@Brutal_Wizerd]

I swear there's something weird about this channel. As soon as I start thinking about something Jeremy posts a video exactly about it. I had my shoulder day yesterday and was wondering if I was doing something wrong with this exersice.

[@IFeefuh]

Legendaryboy98 Ikr! His last video about nutrition/meal plan was uploaded when I was thinking about what I should be eating to maximize muscle growth. Strange. 😂

[@oliverbeck6839]

Ikr i was thinking about the gym and then he made a video about fitness, FUCKING STRANGE 😭😂😂

[@s_tyagi]

law of attraction

[@kalaiarasimohan5625]

Very good guidance video. Thank you Jeremy

[@BendApparatus]

So using the push press to complete the last or last couple of reps for a set or last set is bad? I don't see it, since it still uses the delts to a degree after they've failed especially during the eccentric phase of the exercise.

[@leesonneville1817]

It's a slippery slope. How do you know if you're making progress in your journal if you don't have strict form? Like I see guys who keep piling more weight on their squat but they're not getting stronger, they're just not squating as deep as they were. They go "I added 50 lbs to my squat in 1 month" but now they're only doing a half squat. Maybe you added 20 lbs to your press in a few weeks but your last 2 sets rely on momentum. And in a months it'll be your last 3 sets need monentum but hey you put 10 more pounds on the bar.

[@BendApparatus]

@@leesonneville1817 Nonsense...bro/ego lifting is a completely different thing. Anyone who claims to add 20lb to their overhead press in a month is full of shit anyway. Considering it's the most difficult lift to progress. Half squatters are also a joke and no serious lifter even bothers to do more than shake their head at them. The push press and strict overhead press are 2 completely different things. Using one or the other or even both does not confuse me as to where my "PR" is...which is nonsense anyway. I have no "PR's" in any of my lifts. I do 3X15 sets. I know once i complete all 3X15 sets in strict form with a given weight... it's time to add a few lb to the bar...fail... succeeded...add...rinse repeat... I don't throw in the push press reps until i have failed my strict form reps...

[@leesonneville1817]

@@BendApparatus Agree with everything you said man. I see people doing this though, adding weight but they start cheating with momentum or doing push press or whatever because they just want to keep adding weight and won't admit they're not actually getting stronger. So you just have to be aware of what you're doing.

[@CD-kl1dn]

Very helpful and informative as usual, thanks

[@dannyboy1167]

Should I be retracting my scapula while doing this??

[@Sammable1638]

this^ someone pls answer

[@kylemassey1258]

this^ someone pls answer

[@prithvikamayya]

Need not...

[@scapedrag7893]

No, you don't need to. Just push your chest out very slightly when overhead pressing.

[@Leon-zv2hx]

Excellent instruction, thank you

[@minibanter7253]

Can you please make a video on prehab exercises because it’s something very important and definitely something that gets neglected Thanks

[@aaronmarkwart4317]

Love these videos on form. Thanks!

[@Josh-ur6dx]

I recently invested in a home gym set up, what I Did not take into account though was my ceiling height and it prevents me from doing overhead presses. Which is a bummer, because I like this exercise because of how difficult it is for me to progress in. Anyone have any tips or experience doing seated overheads? Do those work well? I know it won't be the full body work out as the standing overheads are, but think they have to be a ok replacement for my situation.

[@Josh-ur6dx]

Yin that's what I was thinking too, better than nothing. Starting them next week.

[@georgemagdaleno]

I just changed my grip as suggested in the video and WOW what a difference. I feel stronger and do fewer reps for the same effect. Thanks man. I subbed up.

[@omegaRON]

most imp compound exercise, (bench, deadlift, squats and 4th basic but most imp)

[@rotanux]

Yeah because who cares about back

[@Ahmed-pf3lg]

Pinewheel Both squats & deadlifts workout your back.

[@rotanux]

@@Ahmed-pf3lg if you think you can grow your lats and rear delts with squats then you are wrong. Pulling exercise are necessary, like pull ups and rows

[@TheSlimmshadyy]

You forgot rows.

[@saddany3254]

Barbell row and pull ups is staple

[@jknock148]

This is probably the best format that I've ever seen, for a form video. I didn't even realize I was flaring my shoulders; the pauses and lines really help

[@jasontindell6734]

Jesus Loves you all very much!!! God Bless everyone!!!

[@ovase1123]

Amen

[@jahari2253]

God bless you as well brother