Shoulder Press Machine · Shoulders

Shoulder Press Machine Shoulders Exercises

Machine Shoulder Press is the shoulder press machine exercise for the shoulders in the GymStreak library: a compound movement, all beginner level. The guide below links to step-by-step instructions and form tips.

Written by the GymStreak coaching teamUpdated

Exercise
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Beginner
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Compound
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01

How the shoulders work

The deltoid wraps over the top of the shoulder joint in three heads. The front (anterior) head lifts the arm forward, the side (lateral) head lifts it out to the side, and the rear (posterior) head pulls it backwards. Beneath the deltoid, the four rotator cuff muscles keep the ball of the upper arm centred in its socket during every pressing and pulling movement.

02

Using the shoulder press machine

On the shoulder press machine, set the handles at shoulder height, keep your back on the pad and don't arch to finish the rep. The seated shoulder press machine trains the overhead press, the front and side delts and triceps, on a guided path with your back supported.

03

Choosing shoulders exercises

A simple shoulder routine is one press (dumbbell, barbell or machine), one lateral raise and one rear-delt movement. Seated presses and machines give more support than standing barbell presses, which also challenge your core and balance.

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