CALL US TODAY (608) 218-4215

Barbell Pressing Mechanics

Hi guys, it’s Erienne with Peak Endurance. I want to talk to you guys about some movement mechanics when we do overhead barbell pressing.

So when I say overhead  barbell pressing, that could either mean a strict press, a push press, a push jerk, or a split jerk.

  1. Number one is bar path. So If you look me from the side, I don’t want that bar path going out and around me. The further that bar gets away from midline, the more strain it is on my shoulders and my back. So I am going to try to press that bar straight up through my chin. But I’m going to get my chin out of the way. I’ll press straight up, and then as soon as the bar passes through, I’m going to push my head straight through. Same thing on the way down: get my head out of the way, straight up, then straight down.
  2. The second thing I like to think about is my overhead position. When I’m locked on an overhead position, I want that bar to be right over my center of mass not out in front of me. When I’m overhead, I want to be nice and tight in my core and not over extended. I like to think of the cue tuck my ribcage down. That will help take that increased strain off that mid and low back. 

Give it a try!

Our Mission:

Here at Peak Endurance Performance & Physical Therapy we help active adults in the Madison Area get back to the activities they love without pain or limitations. We see people of all ages, ability levels, and individuals trying to get back to a multitude of movements including: getting back into running, women postpartum, CrossFit athletes, climbers, gymnasts, wrestlers, overhead athletes, and your recreational weekend warrior. If you’re looking to get back to the activities that give you meaning, relieve stress, and make you feel like you again, feel free to reach out below and we’ll see if we’re the right fit for you.