Standing Shoulder Press Machine

Stand in front of the machine and grip the lever handles at shoulder height. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and brace your core so your lower back does not overarch.

Press the handles overhead. Because you are standing, your lower body and core must stabilize you for accurate shoulder engagement.

Pause when your arms are almost straight, then lower the handles slowly. Control the descent instead of letting the lever weight pull you down.

Think about pushing the handles with your shoulders. Reduce the weight and focus on your shoulders if you feel only your arms pushing.

Overarching your lower back tires it before your shoulders. Keep your ribs down and core braced as you press for precise, safe engagement.

Exhale as you press and inhale as you lower. Standing presses can quickly disrupt balance when you hold your breath, so keep breathing.

Also called a Viking press, this trains shoulder strength and functional standing power together. Alternate it with a seated press for varied shoulder engagement.