Major Muscles and Actions Involved


The same muscles and actions are involved as in the barbell or dumbbell overhead press.

Muscles in Action


Machine Overhead Press

Sports Uses


The same sports uses as for the barbell or dumbbell overhead press.

Important Facts to Know


  1. When doing the machine or seated overhead barbell press, it is important that you do not max out very often or execute a maximum eccentric return because of the extreme pressure that will then be placed on the spine. When you maintain your arms overhead for a long period of time with great weight, the compression on the spine is great.
  2. Because of this, after doing several sets of the overhead press you should always do some stretching activities such as hanging by your hands from a high bar or with the Back Stretch Strap. In a standing position the forces are not as great.