Is wide grip better for shoulder press?
Owen Barnes
Updated on May 13, 2026
Is wide grip better for shoulder press?
If you grip it too wide or too narrow, you’ll limit the amount of weight you can press; however, you should ultimately do what feels best, especially if you have a history of shoulder pain. Sometimes a slightly wider grip will feel better on your shoulders, and sometimes a more narrow grip will feel better.
Is military Press bad for shoulders?
But isn’t it risky? A behind-the-neck press does indeed place a lot of stress on your rotator cuff muscles, which stabilize your shoulder joints. The position is also awkward. If you have poor shoulder mobility, or if your weight is too heavy, you could tear a shoulder muscle.
What is a respectable military press?
For beginners—or if this is a new exercise for you—I recommend sets of 10 reps with a weight of about 25% of your bodyweight. If you weigh 150 lb., then start with about 35 to 40 lb. Therefore, women 18 to 30 years of age should be able to strict military press 75% of their bodyweight.
Should you wear a belt for military press?
It is not necessary to wear a weight lifting belt for the overhead press, but it can be extremely beneficial if you are lifting heavy and/or feel your lower back is arching too much. Wearing a belt takes unnecessary stress off the spine so the weight overhead is much easier and safer to stabilize.
Where should military press hands be?
Standing Barbell Overhead Press (Military Press) The client should begin with feet about shoulder-width apart. The barbell should rest across the anterior (front) part of the shoulders near the clavicle with the hands firmly gripping the bar just outside shoulder width.
Is wide grip better for chest?
Wide-grip Bench Press A research study by the American Council on Exercise found this exercise to be one of the most effective moves for eliciting a high level of muscle activity in the pectoralis major, making it a more effective targeted chest exercise than incline dumbbell flys or traditional push-ups.
Is wide grip or close grip bench easier?
In summary, the wide grip position will emphasise the chest and shoulder muscles whilst placing a significantly greater stress through the shoulder joint, whilst the narrow grip position will place emphasis on the triceps muscles but also place greater stresses through the wrist joint.
Will military press build big shoulders?
Improved Core Strength When doing any overhead press, the core should be taught throughout the entire movement. Using progressive overload when training the overhead press will not only strengthen your shoulders, but will improve your core stability and strength also.