Am I cheating the press by pausing at the top?

[Rusi]

Recently I noticed that the first rep of my overhead press is the hardest . I pause at the top and then lower it to the upper chest and press it up as fast as I can. In other words I'm doing a very fast touch and go. I know the press is not a deadlift and I hate when guys in my gym are doing banging deadlift but is it a problem when it comes to overhead presses? What's you opinion on that one and do you pause at the bottom in order to kill all stored energy? Thank you again.

[IlPrincipeBrutto]

This has been discussed a lot in the Technique section, and also on Rip's Q&A section (search for olympic press).
The consensus is that it's legit to use the stretch reflex at the bottom of the press, and also that at the bottom of the movement the bar doesn't have to touch your upper body to make a valid rep.

IPB

[LudwigVan]

This has been discussed a lot in the Technique section, and also on Rip's Q&A section

...and also in Starting Strength, where Rip says you should try breathing at the top.

[Rusi]

Sorry for wasting your time. Usually I search a lot before posting but not this time. Anyway thannk you for your time.

[utexas61]

If this is cheating, you can kiss me arse.

[Briks42]

How much weight was that Texas?

[utexas61]

Just a bit over 175. I called it 177.5, but used 2 of those thick collars on both sides and am assuming 2 weigh more than pound.

[Eric K]

If this is cheating, you can kiss me arse.

That looks like a "Judgement Free Zone," based on the colors on the wall. If so, I'm impressed that they had a barbell and actually let you use it. Nice presses, btw.

[utexas61]

24 Hour Fitness.

Isn't bad, except the hex plates.

[Les Hahn]

I believe the "judgement free zones" have purple equipment as well.