Press Question

[XTrainer]

This question was prompted by someone's comment about training the press (specifically, that we shouldn't ), and while I'm not about to stop lifting heavy stuff over my head because of something an mortal said, I want to know where the argument is coming from.


Does pressing shove "the humeral head up into the glenoid fossa," what does that mean, and what are the supposed consequences?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Oh. My. Fucking. God. Only if the heavy barbell fails to shove it back down. Heavy weight, gravity acting perpendicular to the floor, all that shit. This is from a PT who thinks that everybody trains with 3 lb. chrome dumbbells, right? What the hell is wrong with these people? Why do they not want anybody to get strong overhead? Have they never heard of Ken Patera?

[XTrainer]

Do you mind if I share your reply with another board where some are having this discussion?

[r_graz]

I had a certified trainer at my local commercial gym tell me flat out "I would never have any client over the age of 30 do any overhead pressing movement, period. Does too much damage to the shoulders." Frighteningly, this is probably the smartest trainer at that gym.

I smiled, thanked him for the advice, and finished my sets of OH press.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

First guy to press 500 lbs right? I think I still have his WWF wrestling figurine in my attic somewhere. Guy had some crazy ass hair to complement his ridiculous pressing numbers.

[Robert Callahan]

Did Ken Patera really clean and PRESS 500lbs!! what a machine!

[JPC]

Mark, I was privy to the same discussion (on another forum) Xtrainer is talking about and the poster claims to be a high level strength coach working with MMA athletes. This is a direct quote from him talking about the overhead press...
"It is also a biomechanical fact that due to the compressive force it places on the shoulder joint because of the humeral abducation inherent in the exercise it can increase your risk of shoulder impingement."

That, along with his assertation that the press is not functionally relavent to many sports skills(because of the plane of movement) is why he is saying most athletes should not make the press a priority. Most of us are calling bullshit on this, and have countered with the whole ground based training thing, and the rarity of shoulder problems in the pressing hayday, but someone mentioned it would be great to hear what you would say to this.

[the_harbinger]

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f13/st...6/index10.html

The link to the thread can be found here, Mr. Rippetoe. I think I can speak for the entire section of Sherdog's S&P that we would appreciate if you came over and gave your input.

[Mark Rippetoe]

They can look here:

http://www.crossfit.com/journal/2008...ficacy_of.html

[XTrainer]

Thanks you.