For the gym rats

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When people here do shoulder press do you use the backrest? I've dropped the weight and started doing it without the back rest and as a result my form, technique and isolation is a lot better. I also like doing standing shoulder presses.
 
I use the backrest, helps me keep my form and use heavier weights. I managed 40kg dumbbell shoulder press on sunday for 8 reps.
 
msm722 said:
I use the backrest, helps me keep my form and use heavier weights. I managed 40kg dumbbell shoulder press on sunday for 8 reps.
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You see I don't think it helps a lot of people's form. I see a lot of people arching their lower back and almost slipping to a partial incline it's so bad at times. I personally believe it helps improve form by not using a backrest. Though I agree it does mean you can do heavier weights (because you're using the back rest to push against).

I do arnies without a backrest at 17.5 but any more than that I can't lock my core to keep my form.
 
Doing a heavy weight without backrest is quite stressful for the lower back. Even if upper chest is used slightly, the load on the front delts is a lot.
 
Not really - atleast not for me. The weight in a squat is distributed across the back and down the spine, where as in a heavy shoulder press the weight is slightly more forward and non-static. That movement is the part that requires the lower back to constantly try counter balance.
 
msm722 said:
Not really - atleast not for me. The weight in a squat is distributed across the back and down the spine, where as in a heavy shoulder press the weight is slightly more forward and non-static. That movement is the part that requires the lower back to constantly try counter balance.
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i agree with this, i have a strong lower back, can do good mornings with up to 100kg (PB) but without back support on the shoulder presses my lower back just moves around and is uncomfortable.

Anyway if you train properly you core will get its workout on the heavier days, Shoulder press should be about delts, traps and tri's. Nothing else
 
Seated pressing is very stressful on your spine because it's the only thing between the bench and the weight to absorb the pressure. Using a slight incline can help to relieve this and is the only way I'd ever do seated pressing... it's nothing to do with cheating.

I don't even do that though to be honest, I always do my pressing stood up. This way not only can I use more weight but my legs will absorb most of the pressure instead of my spine ;)
 
I sometimes seem people in the gym with too much bend in their knees. As they push the weight up they do a spring like action with the legs to 'throw' the weight up rather that push it.
 
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