Leverage Shoulder Press
Leverage Shoulder Press is a resistance exercise - vertical shoulder press exercise involving Anterior deltoid, Middle deltoid. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.
Last updated: · DynPerformance
- Primary muscles
- Anterior deltoid, Middle deltoid
- Secondary muscles
- Triceps brachii, Serratus anterior, Upper trapezius, Obliques
- Exercise type
- Resistance exercise - vertical shoulder press
Exercise technique
- Load
Match the plates on both arms.
- Seat height
Set handles just above shoulder level.
- Grip
Use an overhand grip with wrists aligned beneath the load.
- Torso
Set against the backrest and brace your abdomen.
- Press upward
Extend the elbows to lift the machine arms.
- Endpoint
Stop without forcefully locking the arms.
- Lower
Return to shoulder height without resting the weights on the stops.
Key technique points
- Do not force a start from excessively low handles.
- Do not slide forward from the backrest.
- Do not add knee drive.
- Keep wrists beneath the machine arms.
- Follow the machine shoulder arc.
- Lower both arms at the same rhythm.
Common mistakes
Low starting position
The shoulders are loaded unnecessarily deep.
Back bridge
Torso angle changes the vertical press.
Leg assistance
Momentum starts the machine press.
Collapsing wrists
The loading line leaves the forearms.
Hard lockout
The upper endpoint stops without control.
Hitting the bottom stop
Muscular control is released on return.
Frequently asked questions
Leverage Shoulder Press: why is “Low starting position” a mistake?
The shoulders are loaded unnecessarily deep.
Leverage Shoulder Press: why is “Back bridge” a mistake?
Torso angle changes the vertical press.
Leverage Shoulder Press: why is “Leg assistance” a mistake?
Momentum starts the machine press.
Leverage Shoulder Press: why is “Collapsing wrists” a mistake?
The loading line leaves the forearms.
Leverage Shoulder Press: why is “Hard lockout” a mistake?
The upper endpoint stops without control.
Leverage Shoulder Press: why is “Hitting the bottom stop” a mistake?
Muscular control is released on return.
What should I focus on when doing Leverage Shoulder Press?
Do not force a start from excessively low handles. Do not slide forward from the backrest. Do not add knee drive. Keep wrists beneath the machine arms. Follow the machine shoulder arc. Lower both arms at the same rhythm.
Related exercises
- Arnold Press
- Barbell Push Press
- Alternating Battle Rope Waves
- Bear Crawl
- Dumbbell Thruster
- Exercise Guide
Add this exercise to your program with your coach
If you have a health condition, consult a qualified professional.