Exercise library
Shoulders
Machine Shoulder Press
- Primary muscle
- Shoulders
- Also works
- Triceps
- Equipment
- Machine
- Movement pattern
- Vertical push
- Role in a program
- Primary
How to do it
Adjust the seat so the handles sit at shoulder height and grip them with palms forward. Press the handles overhead until the arms extend, then lower under control. The fixed path lets you push safely close to failure.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the shoulders — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Machine Lateral RaiseMachineVertical push
- Smith Machine Overhead PressMachineVertical push
- Arnold PressDumbbellVertical push
- Band Front RaiseBandVertical push
- Band Lateral RaiseBandVertical push
- Band Overhead PressBandVertical push
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the shoulders: