Archive for Press
5 Killer Exercises for Shoulder Mobility
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A couple weeks back, we discussed a few key points to good posture. In today’s white collar world, many have found themselves somewhat permanently hunched over. I say somewhat because with the tips we reviewed, anyone can achieve perfect spinal alignment. Today, we’ll examine some of the best exercises and mobility drills for those looking to achieve ideal posture. Read More→
The BEST Beginner Training Program
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The best training method for new trainees is Mark Rippetoe’s Starting Strength. This simple template will pack on muscle and make new lifters stronger than any other program I’ve witnessed. I wasted plenty of time doing silly routines copied from bodybuilding magazines, only to learn the hard way that those bodypart split systems only work well for dudes with, ah, let’s just say they’re getting a little extra help from the needle. The amazing thing about SS is that even after all that silly training, I still gained size and strength from using its simplified outline.
Despite being an internet legend, or perhaps because of its wiki-fied viral spread, SS is widely misunderstood and misused. Some versions only use the five major barbell exercises Coach Rip devoted a couple hundred pages to describing in his signature witty style. Other ‘versions’ of SS float around the internet. A change here, a change there; soon enough, you’ve got guys doing ‘Ripetows’ that miss many of the key points from the irreproachable original. I’m going to discuss what I feel is the ideal program for new trainers. Those familiar with his work will understand why I’m giving much thanks and a lot of credit to Rip, but you can still learn a thing or two about how to properly utilize SS: Read More→
Movement Mastery – How to Overhead Press
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Image: Eastside CrossFit
The overhead press probably has more athletic benefits than any other upper body exercise. Despite what you may have believed growing up in a culture that reveres big biceps and bench press numbers, the challenge of pressing heavy weights over one’s head is one of the most rewarding exercises possible. You gain strength in the shoulders, arms and upper back, not to mention the abs, lower back and entire torso. One reason many people incur injuries whilst benching is because they’re imbalanced, but ensuring that your overhead press is at least 2/3 of your bench will alleviate most if not all of these problems. The key with pressing, as with all exercises, is to utilize correct form to both a) maximize your biomechanical advantage and therefore strength, and b) to prevent injuries. Let’s discuss how to do it the right way:
