Barbell Shoulder Press

[GoVols]

Do it in front of the head or behind the head? I've read about both and I don't know which to go with.

[Frankdaddy]

Some people endure shoulder pain from doing it behind the neck, but thats all personal really. I would go with what you enjoy the most, and can put your best effort into doing.

[GoVols]

Some people endure shoulder pain from doing it behind the neck, but thats all personal really. I would go with what you enjoy the most, and can put your best effort into doing.

K thank you

[justpicaname]

behind really hurts my RC when I go heavy, so I keep it to the front.

[iSkinny]

They both place the shoulder in a position of external rotation and abdution. In this position the imposed load then creates an external rotatory moment on the Glenohumeral capsule. It creates an unstable position. Therefore for either option technique is of utmost paramount.

Generally though BTN press is harder to perform correctly, due to flexibility - and people having no clue how to perform it correctly - being a major issue/problem. Most people stick to in front pressing for this reason, although there is apparently not much difference in activation - at least not according to my lecturer - although I can't find any study's to back this point up.

[GoVols]

They both place the shoulder in a position of external rotation and abdution. In this position the imposed load then creates an external rotatory moment on the Glenohumeral capsule. It creates an unstable position. Therefore for either option technique is of utmost paramount.

Generally though BTN press is harder to perform correctly, due to flexibility - and people having no clue how to perform it correctly - being a major issue/problem. Most people stick to in front pressing for this reason, although there is apparently not much difference in activation - at least not according to my lecturer - although I can't find any study's to back this point up.

Very informative. Thanks

[Archangel12580]

Ive found front to be both less of a strain on the RC and more affective. This is just my own personal experience though. I have spoken to others who are die hard about going behind the head, its just something that never worked too well for me. So I guess its really up to you and what you are comfortable with.

[corey1983]

I prefer to do them to the front as if I try to go behind the neck my ROM sucks and it hurts more which leads to me stopping before completing my sets.

[zildjian_4]

there r the few who are built to be able to go behind the head..but for most ppl it will just shred up your rc's.

[ShoeyTennis]

Do it in front of the head or behind the head? I've read about both and I don't know which to go with.

always the front for me, my neck hurts like crap alot.

[ironwill2008]

You may be able to do presses behind your neck, and get a bit more medial delt involvement, as compared to presses to the front. And you may damage one or both shoulders while you're at it. Why not do presses to the front, not risk injury, and then rely on isolation exercises to work your your medial and rear delts safely. That way, it's all good.