How does where you hold weights above your head change your back and shoulder position?
Overhead shoulder press – In-front of the head or behind the head?
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Males exceed their passive shoulder external rotation during behind-the-head pressing, but the movement is still deemed safe for those with ideal ROM and trunk stability.
It contradicts the assumption that exceeding passive ROM is inherently dangerous — suggesting neuromuscular control may compensate.
Practical Takeaways
Assess your passive shoulder external rotation before attempting behind-the-head presses — especially if you're male.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Males exceed their passive shoulder external rotation during behind-the-head pressing, but the movement is still deemed safe for those with ideal ROM and trunk stability.
It contradicts the assumption that exceeding passive ROM is inherently dangerous — suggesting neuromuscular control may compensate.
Practical Takeaways
Assess your passive shoulder external rotation before attempting behind-the-head presses — especially if you're male.
Publication
Journal
Journal of Sport and Health Science
Year
2015
Authors
M. McKean, B. Burkett
Related Content
Claims (6)
If your shoulders move well and your core is strong, doing overhead pressing—whether in front or behind your head—is safe for your shoulders and spine.
When doing overhead pressing, guys tend to keep a normal lower back curve, but women often round their lower back—this might show a difference in how men and women control their spine during the move.
When you do shoulder presses sitting down, starting the lift behind your head puts your upper back in a rounded position, while starting in front of your head keeps it arched — this probably puts different kinds of stress on your spine.
When people do overhead pressing while sitting, their mid-back stays curved backward by about 12 to 15 degrees — and this seems to be true for everyone, no matter their gender or how they perform the lift.
For guys, doing shoulder presses behind the head pushes the shoulders further than they naturally move, which might put extra stress on the joint.