Overhead (military) press question

[eazyb81]

When you guys do overhead presses to work the delts, do you bring them in front of your head or behind it? My w/o partner does military presses using a smith machine, but i've been reading on here and you guys aren't too fond of the smith. Should i just do them w/ an EZ bar sitting on a bench, or standing, or what? Also, is an overhead press just another name for a military press? Thanks for the help.

 

[jerkbox]

standing or seated, in front of my head using a straight bar - that's my preference.

 

[Lord_Suston]

standing or seated, in front of my head using a straight bar - that's my preference.

exactly, great for the whole upper body, yes military is another name for it

 

[eazyb81]

so, do you guys just alternate standing and seated every week, or should i just pick one and concentrate on it for awhile? Are the smith machines not very useful to do for military press?

 

[The Red Dragon]

if your rotator cuffs can handle behind the neck then you can try it...Smith machines are dangerous for the RC's aren't they? I do them at the front...it's harder to do them standing. I alternate between seated and standing but I can't use as much weight standing.

 

[fastgain]

I do very strict standing barbell military presses. I use absolutely no leg drive, keep my back arched, and lightly touch my upper chest on each rep. Standing involves more stabilizers and improves balance and coordination. It's slightly harder (weight-wise) but worth it in my opinion.

 

[Lee]

what all does military work besides delts and tris?

 

[slobberknocker]

what all does military work besides delts and tris?

Upper chest, forearms. If you do them standing you get ab/low back work too.

 

[SeanHolmz]

what all does military work besides delts and tris?

That depends on how you're doing it. Behind the neck tends to work more rear delts and tris where in front works front delts/tris and depending on how you're doing them a little upper chest. I don't think they really work any other muscles besides that. Great exercise.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Front
Target

Deltoid, Anterior
Synergists

Pectoralis Major, Clavicular
Triceps Brachii
Deltoid, Lateral
Trapezius, Middle
Trapezius, Lower
Serratus Anterior, Inferior Digitations
Dynamic Stabilizers

Triceps, Long Head
Biceps Brachii, Short Head
Stabilizers

Trapezius, Upper
Levator Scapulae

<b>BEHIND THE NECK</b>
Muscles
Target

Deltoid, Anterior
Synergists

Deltoid, Lateral
Supraspinatus
Triceps Brachii
Trapezius, Middle
Trapezius, Lower
Serratus Anterior, Inferior Digitations
Dynamic Stabilizers

Triceps, Long Head
Stabilizers

Trapezius, Upper
Levator Scapulae