Thread: Behind the neck milatary press

Originally Posted by murf23

Does anybody do them anymore? Me personally I havn't done them in over 10 years . I definetly think they are the best exercise for getting the shoulders huge but its not worth the chance of injury for me. I used to do them very heavy but over the years like Im sure most of us do I've had many shoulder problems . I do miss doing them but like I said its just not worth it

Yeah I use to do them myself years and years ago. I use to go up to 225 on them for sets of 8-10. I felt a tweak, and have never done them since. I feel front presses hit all 3 heads pretty well. I'm not afraid to go heavier than that now days on front presses. Much more natural movement, and i don't personally suggest anyone do behind the neck presses. I still see them done occasionally though.

Originally Posted by murf23

Does anybody do them anymore? Me personally I havn't done them in over 10 years . I definetly think they are the best exercise for getting the shoulders huge but its not worth the chance of injury for me. I used to do them very heavy but over the years like Im sure most of us do I've had many shoulder problems . I do miss doing them but like I said its just not worth it

It is one of my favorite movements for overall delt development. If you have shoulder issues though, I would not recommend them...

I do them occasionally but only take the bar to the top of my head

They feel weird to me. Put my arms at a weird angle. I normally go in front and as I'm taking weights off I'll do a set of behind the neck real fast with 135 or something light.

I love BTN presses, great for the side delts and mandatory for any serious bodybuilders. Military presses are to the front btw. Its important not to drop your elbows below your shoulders though.

This used to be a regular part of every shoulder workout but not so much anymore. This movement increases the chance for rotator cuff and superspunatis irritation. People with these issues would do well to avoid this exercise. I have had numerous shoulder surgeries and every physical therapist I've talked to agrees. Some people can do these for years with no issues, it's the risk/gain factor that doesn't work for me.

I started doing them again after a long time of not having done them. Nothing heavy, 155 lbs just for reps. To schock my muscles. Now I have this nagging pain on my right front delt. Never doing them again. I read unless you are doing some kind of sports specific training you really should stay away from them. I tend to agree

Been doing them full ROM (bar to just above traps) for 21 years with no issues. I am very strict on form however and never go too heavy.

Tried them once, didn't feel right so I've never done them again.

Two rotator cuff injuries = no freaking way. Dumbbells and military presses work just fine.

Too uncomfortable for me . I get anbetter pump doing them in the front ( that's what she said!)

Originally Posted by bccs

I do them occasionally but only take the bar to the top of my head

Yeah me too
-no shoulder problems.

I've done them in the past when younger and they never felt natural. From what I have read some years ago was to not to do them, and considering I have shoulder issues they are something I no longer do nor have a reason to do.

Totally agree with Pony on this! After I wrecked my rotator cuff my PT said never do them again...well me being me I said f*ck him I'm doing this cause I always got a great workout with them. Three reps was all it took to never do that exercise again. That was in 1998. My delts do fine with out them.

I prefer Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Presses, but will change it up some weeks and do Barbell (to the front) seated or standing. The only time i go behind the neck is as a supporting exercise on shoulder day and usually use the smith machine and keep the weight light/manageable to avoid injury. i've had some very minor pulls and aches in my shoulders but never anything too serious, but as has been said anyone with rotator cuff or overall shoulder issues should probably avoid BTN presses completely

im very surprised to hear the neg. info. about behind the neck.i just finished with a shoulder workout and had this very conversation with a couple of bbers at my gym while we were doing military presses.i do seated behind neck because it doesn't hurt like when i do fronts.you hold the bar at a slight angle in the front.but hey what ever works for everyone is what its all about,it just depends on the person.

yeah they feel unnatural and very dangerous i like military press with no leg movent fells awsome

I like them. But you need to be extra cautious when performing this exercise. I usually use a much lighter wait than I would for in-front military press.

I use the Smith machine, and only lower bar down to my head. So far no problems. The key is don't go to low, keep the bar at your head and no lower.

Nope. No need to. If you're trying to be a pro, then I guess do what they do.

Originally Posted by OnPoint88

I love BTN presses, great for the side delts and mandatory for any serious bodybuilders. Military presses are to the front btw. Its important not to drop your elbows below your shoulders though.

Why is that? I was under the impression that the bar had to touch the upper part of your chest in order to be considered full range of motion for each rep.