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Band overhead press

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Muscles worked

High load
Delts · Front
Low load
Core, Triceps, and Upper back

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Stand on the middle of a band with feet hip-width and hold an end at each shoulder, palms forward. Brace the trunk, then press straight overhead until the arms lock, letting the hands travel slightly behind the head at the top. Lower under control to the shoulders. Keep the ribs down — leaning back to finish the rep turns a shoulder press into a lower-back exercise.

Form cues

  • Ribs down — do not lean back to finish the press
  • Press slightly behind the head, not in front of the face

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

ShoulderNeckLower back

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.