Are you ready to take your fitness journey to new heights? Welcome to the world of Exercise 1, also known as the Strict Press. This classic movement is not just about building strength; it’s a gateway to improving your overall technique, and it’s one of the safest and most natural human movements you can master.
Steps to Perfect Your Strict Press:
- Set Your Stance: Begin with your feet hip-width apart. Your toes should be slightly turned out.
- Grip the Bar: Stand with the barbell resting on the front of your shoulders, palms facing forward, and your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Engage Your Core: Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your spine and maintain a neutral posture throughout the movement.
- The Lift-Off: Inhale deeply, brace your core, and press the barbell straight up, extending your arms fully.
- Maintain Head Position: Keep your head in a neutral position, looking straight ahead or slightly upwards.
- Control the Descent: Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, exhaling as you do so.
- Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions with control, ensuring your core remains engaged, and your back stays straight.
Watch this video: Strict Press
Risks of Incorrect Strict Press Technique:
- Shoulder Injury: Rounding your back or flaring your elbows can put undue stress on your shoulder joints, increasing the risk of injury.
- Lower Back Strain: Failing to engage your core and maintain a neutral spine can lead to lower back pain or injury.
- Reduced Effectiveness: Incorrect technique can limit the effectiveness of the exercise, preventing you from fully engaging the targeted muscles.
How to Get Started With the Strict Press:
If you’re new to the Strict Press, start with this sample workout to get the feel of the movement:
Warm-Up: Begin with 5-10 minutes of light cardio to get your heart rate up.
Strict Press Workout:
- 3 sets of 8-10 reps: Use a manageable weight to focus on form and technique.
- 2 minutes rest between sets: Give your muscles time to recover and maintain good form.
Cool Down: Finish with some static stretches for your shoulders, chest, and upper back.
The Strict Press offers numerous benefits beyond just building shoulder strength. It helps improve your posture, enhances shoulder stability, and is a foundational movement for more advanced lifts like the push press and jerk. Plus, it’s one of the safest exercises when performed correctly.
Ready to take your Strict Press to the next level? Consider booking a Free No-Sweat Intro session with our experienced coaches. We’ll guide you through the finer points of this essential exercise, ensuring you get the most out of every rep. Start your journey today and watch your strength and technique soar! CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Don’t miss out on the incredible benefits of the Strict Press. Elevate your fitness game and join us in mastering this fundamental movement. Your strength and technique will thank you!