What's the verdict on behind the neck shoulder press?

[Soul Rebel]

Just as the title states, what's the verdict on behind the neck presses? I've read and heard not to do them because it puts too much stress on your spine, and I've heard others say that it's a good compound exercise. I used to follow MAX-OT principles where they say that it is no good, and can cause injury. Now that I have a different routine, I'm wondering if it's so bad after all.

 

[Vegas]

I hate them. They hurt my rotator cuffs like nothing else. However, other guys love them. It all depends on how you are structured and if you can adapt to them. I'd say most should stay away from them, but others disagree. I would caution you however if you do try them, do not lower the bar too far. This is where the majority of problems originate.

 

[blackbeard]

I hate them. They hurt my rotator cuffs like nothing else. However, other guys love them. It all depends on how you are structured and if you can adapt to them. I'd say most should stay away from them, but others disagree. I would caution you however if you do try them, do not lower the bar too far. This is where the majority of problems originate.

exactly
but why even bother figuring out if these are good for you or not?
just do them to the front or use DB's BTN's are no better than front presses IMO

 

[Ponderosa]

if/when i do them, it's for definition: low weight, high reps, and true form. push from your elbows, and no need to go down too far below parallel. pushing heavy weight on this one is stupid. as noted, use bells instead.

 

[Mudge]

I dont do them, it even bothers my neck a bit. The idea is however to not let your elbows drop below parallel to the ground - or somewhere beneath the ears. This is supposed to help save the rotators.

So if and when I do overhead pressing I stick to front or dumbells.

 

[blackbeard]

if/when i do them, it's for definition: low weight, high reps, and true form. push from your elbows, and no need to go down too far below parallel. pushing heavy weight on this one is stupid. as noted, use bells instead.

definition is achieved through diet not the amount of reps

 

[Eze]

I have a really bad left shoulder, so I stick to these rules:

1. Use a smith machine
2. Lower the bar to the ears (no lower)

I really like this exercise, as it is pretty tough to cheat on. The main thing to rememeber: Listen to your body. If it hurts, stop!!!!

 

[adidamps2]

I have a really bad left shoulder, so I stick to these rules:

1. Use a smith machine
2. Lower the bar to the ears (no lower)

I really like this exercise, as it is pretty tough to cheat on. The main thing to rememeber: Listen to your body. If it hurts, stop!!!!

I COULDN'T GET MY SHOULDER'S TO GROW..THEN MY BUDDY INTRODUCED THESE INTO OUR LIFTING ROUTINE AND THERE WAS NO LOOKING BACK. WE FOLLOWED THOSE TWO RULES THAT EASTO SAID AND BAM MY SHOULDERS GREW LIKE WEEDS...GREAT LIFT..

 

[Rokomuscle1]

I quit doing them..... once I start to go heavy (for me that is..around 225lb) I would always strain something in my neck...and off to the chiropractor... so dumbells for me..and I don't go over 90lbs anymore...

 

[70w30]

Not worth doing.....even stopping short of full bottom movement......it is not an excersise you can go heavy on...it never felt right for me anyhow......same with lat pulldowns behind the neck.....your rotators will thank you for it

 

[pretty ricky]

they aint worth doing.bad for the shoulder and neck.