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Seated machine shoulder press

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Muscles worked

High load
Delts · Front
Medium load
Delts · Side
Low load
Triceps

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Set the seat so the handles start at about shoulder height and press the back flat against the pad. Press up to a near lockout and lower under control to the starting height. Because the path is fixed and the back is supported, this is a safe option to push close to failure — just avoid letting the shoulders shrug up into the press.

Form cues

  • Back flat against the pad
  • Safe option to push close to failure

Safety

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

ShoulderElbow

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.