Overhead Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press

Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan

Jan 15, 2025

Contents

Deciding between Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press for your shoulder training? Curious about which yields greater gains or the ideal moment to include each for peak performance?

Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Overhead Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users seem to prefer Overhead Press with a total of 17150 compared to 13111 for Smith Machine Overhead Press

However, this is just a matter of preference for the majority. If you are wondering which of the two exercises to do right away, please read the text below. Compare the pros and cons of each exercise and choose the one that suits you better to proceed with.

How to Overhead Press

Overhead Press gif

Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Inhale deeply before beginning the movement.
  2. 2. Keeping your core tight, press the barbell up above your head in a controlled manner.
  3. 3. Exhale as you press the barbell up.
  4. 4. Lower the barbell back down to your collarbone, inhaling as you do so.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Always keep your core engaged throughout the movement to prevent injury.
  2. 2. Do not lock your elbows at the top of the movement.
  3. 3. Do not let the barbell drift too far forward or back.
  4. 4. Do not let the barbell bounce off your collarbone at the bottom of the movement.
  5. 5. Make sure to use a weight that is appropriate for your fitness level.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Overhead Press methods?

How to Smith Machine Overhead Press

Smith Machine Overhead Press gif

Smith Machine Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the barbell down to the top of your shoulders.
  2. 2. Push the barbell back up to the starting position, keeping your arms straight and your elbows slightly bent.
  3. 3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you press the barbell up.
  4. 4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Make sure to keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the exercise.
  2. 2. Do not arch your back or lean back as you press the barbell up.
  3. 3. Do not lock your elbows out at the top of the movement.
  4. 4. Do not allow the barbell to drop down too quickly as you lower it.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Smith Machine Overhead Press methods?

Get free AI personalized workout plan

Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.

To create a routine that incorporates the right exercises for you, explore our [workout generator] It’s a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

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