Overhead Pressing and Low Ceilings

[galensjp01]

I'm getting ready to start the program and my house has really low ceilings so my only option may end up being overhead pressing while sitting down (or kneeling on a pillow etc.) I know this challenges the midsection much less but will I still be getting most of the benefits as compared to a normal standing press?

[michael dowling]

take the weights outside?

no you won't get the same benefits sitting as you would on a standing press.

[jsteffen80]

I'm going to be dealing with this when I get my weight set at home. I'm 6'2" with a 7' ceiling where the weights are going to be, and dragging the rack outside every time I want to press is going to be a real bummer. Even if I build a rack to leave outside, I will still have to drag the weighs and bar out there, and count on the weather to be good.

I'll figure out a way, like pressing at work (my current gym), but would like to see more input.

[Nic Lane]

When I press in my low-ceilinged basement, I have to stick with 25s as the biggest plates or I hit the subfloor above. I also have to position myself carefully to ensure the plates go between the joists. Maybe using smaller plates would help depending on how low it is.

I also saw someone (on this board I think) that dug a "pressing pit" in their basement. That's dedication.

[Corrie]

I press in a basement too and this is the first time I've been happy to be short. I just avoid bumper plates and I have no problem.

[RussB]

My equipment is in my basement, and I'm usually pressed for time and have children running around upstairs, so I just press seated. I am certain that it is not ideal. My bench just hit 235x5 today, while my press PR is 140x5. I think (and hope) that part of the reason for this is simply that I press seated. One thing I've considered is to use my adjustable dumbbells upstairs. So far I have not.

To the person talking about bringing the rack outside, if I was to press outside I'd just clean the weight before pressing, rather than bringing a rack or squat stands outside.

If my basement had a dirt floor I'd dig a pressing pit. Hmm, maybe I could stand in my sump pump's hole.

Press on.

[Nic Lane]

If my basement had a dirt floor I'd dig a pressing pit. Hmm, maybe I could stand in my sump pump's hole.

The pit I saw was cut through the concrete floor.

[jsteffen80]

The pit I saw was cut through the concrete floor.

I have been considering this option. Though I think it would be a wiser option in the long-term, since I have room, to put another building on my property to suit my needs.

What would the cost be to dig a pit in a basement? It seems like it would be ridiculously expensive for what it is.

[michael dowling]

What would the cost be to dig a pit in a basement? It seems like it would be ridiculously expensive for what it is.

Honestly you can do it in a few hours with a masonry blade on a framing saw, shovel, wood to build a simple form, and 12 bags of quikrete. Total cost $50.00 or so.

[Briks42]

I have the same situation and just press outside. Its not ideal, since the weather can screw you, but it happens a lot less than you think. Ive pressed in rain and snow, etc. Its basically only thunderstorms or downpours that you cant lift through.

I have a set of squat stands i use to do it, which i keep under a patio out back, but wouldnt be too bad to take in and out of the house if I had to since they are 2 individual stands.