Posted on February 15, 2013 by Jenny Cromack

I would argue that this is probably one of the best lifts for the development of the upper body; most people don’t like to do it as the poundage can be very humbling. There seems to be a mindset in most gyms that strength is determined by how much one person can bench press, now don’t get me wrong I love the bench press but there are reasons the military press should be a foundation lift in any strength program;

• It develops triceps, traps and deltoids in one lift; it would take 3 times as long to perform suitable isolation lifts. Great if you’re in a rush and don’t want to spend your life in a gym. Furthermore compound movements provide extra stimulation on the muscle than isolation making it by far more effective, its win, win really.
• It improves results in your bench press, similar musculature is worked during overhead presses and the results can be transferred to your bench press
• It works the core muscles and can highlight weaknesses in the lower back and external rotation strength. Both of which are limiting factors to functional upper body strength and force production.

 

So include this super exercise in your routine and watch your physique and performance evolve.