The Push Press Exercise

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

7-2022

Abstract

The push press exercise is a multijoint ballistic strength exercise that can be performed by athletes and nonathletes alike for improving strength and power in the hip, knee, and ankle extensor and shoulder girdle muscles. It is a relatively simple exercise to teach and learn and can enhance performance in a number of athletic and functional activities like jumping, throwing, and lifting heavy objects up onto shelves or luggage compartments, respectively. It can be adapted for use by most clients and taught to them once they are able to maintain full body alignment while squatting, hinging from their hips, and maintaining thoracic extension and posterior scapular tilt while raising their arms directly overhead. These competencies have been previously described in this column (5). Like other multisegmental exercises addressed in the Do it Right column, proper instruction, supervision, and maintenance of good posture enhance safety and performance of this lift. Clients should be free of pain in their neck, upper extremities (6–8), and low back. Clients who do experience pain in any of these locations should consult their health care provider and receive clearance from them before participating in a strength enhancement program. The push press exercise is shown in Figure 1.

Comments

ACSM'S Do It Right Column.

DOI

10.1249/FIT.0000000000000787

Publication

ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal

Volume

26

Issue

4

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer

Pages

33-38

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