Tip & Technique: Pushpress

Contrary to more traditional thought, a pushpress is not a cheaters over head press. One of the central tenants that we keep coming back to is that the body was created and built as one piece. It functions best that way. So, let's train it that way.

So, in a pushpress, we're working coordination, neuromuscular connection, power and proprioception. The hips elp provide momentum and power through the torso (core) to the shoulders. And yes, it's a killer "core" workout too. By now, you probably get just how much I hate that word.

This starts off just like thr thruster from last week. Stand with a weight frontloaded across your shoulders at about collarbone level. If you're using a barbell, palms should be facing away from you (pronated grip). If you're using DBs, neutral grip (palms facing each other) or pronated is fine. Now, instead of sinking into a full squat, just take a quick dip of the hips, out behind and slightly down below you, and with speed pop them back into neutral position. Right when your hips come to full extension, begin pressing the weight up above your head with as much force as possible. You should be able to feel the weight begin to float up from the power your hips have already provided.

Lock the elbows out. Your arm should be extending over your head slightly behind the line of your ear. Bring the weight back to your chest. Reset, rinse and repeat.