Is It Safe To Do Shoulder Presses Behind Your Head?

Every month we ask our panel of experts their opinion on what’s hot in health and fitness. This month we ask: Is it safe to do lat pulldowns and shoulder presses behind your head?

A post shared by Ashley Horner (@ashley.horner) on May 16, 2017 at 5:21pm PDT

Ashley Horner

I would not recommend it as it stresses the supporting muscles of your shoulders (rotator cuff) since you have to externally rotate your shoulders behind you. Also, another thing to consider is flexibility of your shoulders. If you lack flexibility, you will put stress on your neck in effort to make up for it.

A post shared by Imogen Parfitt (@parfittness) on May 6, 2017 at 12:19am PDT

Imogen Parfitt

You could perform these movements behind your head but it would make your rotator cu s vulnerable to injury. I’m sure there are less risky exercises you can do to hit the same muscles.

A post shared by Jessie Hilgenberg (@jesshilgenberg) on May 6, 2017 at 4:21am PDT

Jessie Hilgenberg

It is important to work every angle of your shoulder to get the perfect pumpkin delts. Working behind your head can be beneficial, as long as you don’t have any restrictions from injury.

A post shared by Brooke Dragon 💋 (@brooke_dragon) on Apr 26, 2017 at 5:47am PDT

Brooke Dragon

It is difficult enough to hold a neutral spine when doing these exercises the traditional way. Stretching your shoulders beyond the point of their regular range of motion and trying to maintain correct alignment with heavy weight is just too much of a risk.

A post shared by Taylor Chamberlain (@taychayy) on May 16, 2017 at 2:03pm PDT

Taylor Chamberlain

For a beginner, this may do more harm than good if you aren’t careful. Starting o with lighter weight and building the muscle up first before jumping into the movement will help keep the lifter safe when performing this exercise.

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A post shared by Kathleen Tesori (@kathleentesori) on Nov 16, 2016 at 12:26pm PST

Kathleen Tesori

All the trainers I have hired have also always had me go in front and not behind. I have tried behind and it feels awkward and I cannot get a full range of motion.

A post shared by Dr. Sara Solomon 🏋🏻🐈🇨🇦 (@drsarasolomon) on Mar 2, 2017 at 1:57pm PST

Sara Solomon

If you have adequate shoulder and thoracic spinal mobility, then behind the neck pressing and pulling (with light weight; never heavy weight) can be an excellent corrective exercise for developing shoulder and thoracic strength, for postural strength and for increased proprioceptive awareness.

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