Is military press bad for your back?

Author: Ruby Reichel  |  Last update: Monday, June 9, 2025

Your low back most likely hurts when you perform military presses because you are hyperextending your lumbar spine during the movement. Most trainers would tell you that you need to work on your core stability and would prescribe a bunch of planks and the like.

Are military presses good for back?

The primary muscle group in your back recruited by the military press is the trapezius (traps), but the rhomboids also play an important role as well as the muscles in the lower back.

Is military press bad for you?

Shoulder Joint Stress: The military press places significant stress on the shoulder joints, especially if the movement is performed with improper technique. Rotator Cuff Injury: Overhead pressing can lead to rotator cuff injuries, particularly if there is pre-existing weakness or tightness in the shoulder area.

Is shoulder press bad for your spine?

Shoulder presses and other overhead weight moves stress the spine and shouldn't be done when you have back pain, says Jeff Winternheimer, DC, a LaGrange, IL, chiropractor. ``Using weights overhead adds pressure to the spinal discs,'' he says. A notable back arch in the standing press isn't.

Should I avoid shoulder press?

A dumbbell shoulder press is a good option to improve shoulder position and keep the weight even from right to left. If you have rotator cuff issues or have had a rotator cuff repair, overhead press exercises are typically no recommended.

Is Overhead Press Good For Building Muscle?

Does bench press damage spine?

When performed with proper form and technique, bench press exercises should not compress the spine significantly. However, it's essential to use appropriate weights, maintain proper alignment, and avoid excessive arching of the back to minimize any potential risk of spinal compression.

Why does my back hurt after military press?

Movements like the overhead press can cause the low back to arch or hyperextension, thus causing more spine compression. This is typically from insufficient mobility, control, and/or strength, which leads to positional compromises that place strain on the low back.

Why am I so bad at military press?

Having a weak overhead press can be the result of many things, such as poor mobility, instability of the shoulders, previous injury, or simply lack of strength.

Does military press improve posture?

The dumbbell military press is an important compound movement that hits the shoulders, upper back, and core (when you use proper form). You can use the exercise to build size and strength in your shoulders. The exercise can also help to reinforce proper posture for other overhead pressing movements.

Is hanging bad for shoulders?

Hanging your entire body weight can, in hypermobile people, cause the tissue to stretch even more. People with shoulder hypermobility are more likely to develop painful shoulder instability, which is when the ball often pops out of the socket.

What exercises should you not do with shoulder impingement?

Activities to Avoid with Shoulder Impingement

Weightlifting (especially overhead presses or pull downs) is problematic, so avoid that until you are cleared. Avoid swimming entirely until you have recovered. Avoid activities that keep your elbow from being aligned to your side.

What is the alternative to shoulder press for rotator cuff injury?

In cases of a shoulder injury, some exercises can replace the overhead press. These include handstand push-ups, Arnold press, dumbbell external rotation, dumbbell shoulder press, landmine press, and single arm resistance band press.

Can I do seated overhead press with a herniated disc?

Specific exercises that involve repetitive bending, lifting, or jarring movements (such as high knees and overhead presses), are known to worsen the symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc.

Is Arnold Press better than military press?

Arnold Press Muscles Worked

Unlike your other shoulder press variations, such as the military press and overhead press, which focus more on the anterior and lateral deltoid heads, the Arnold Dumbbell Press activates all three deltoid muscle heads: Anterior (front) Lateral (outer) Posterior (rear)

Why is military press harder than shoulder press?

Lifting a heavy barbell overhead demands significant core stabilization to maintain proper posture and prevent overarching of the lower back. This aspect sets the military press apart from many shoulder press variations, which may require less core engagement depending on the equipment and form used.

Does military press stunt growth?

"There's no evidence that weightlifting stunts growth", she said. "In fact, resistance training can help build coordination and strength in young athletes, and there's a strong push right now for young female athletes to lift weights in the hope that it may offer more injury prevention.

How much can the average person military press?

The average Military Press weight for a male lifter is 142 lb (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift. What is a good Military Press? Male beginners should aim to lift 69 lb (1RM) which is still impressive compared to the general population.

What is the safest shoulder press?

The Safest Shoulder Press Ever: The Overhead Box Press

The overhead press is one of the most effective upper body exercises not only for building functional mass and strength but also for improving upper body mechanics.

Is military press good for your back?

Your low back most likely hurts when you perform military presses because you are hyperextending your lumbar spine during the movement. Most trainers would tell you that you need to work on your core stability and would prescribe a bunch of planks and the like.

Can leg press mess up your back?

This exercise is not inherently bad for the lower back, but we often see patients go too hard too soon due to the 'supported position' of a leg press. When doing a leg press, maintain a strong starting position of the back and core throughout the exercise and don't add more weight than your back is comfortable with.

Is it normal to have a sore back after bench press?

Overtraining: Frequently performing heavy bench presses without adequate rest can lead to muscle fatigue and increased risk of back pain ((6)).

Is lifting bad for the spine?

Myth #3: Lifting Weights is Bad for Your Back

True, but only because you're doing it wrong. You can sustain an injury from lifting anything-not just heavy weights. While it may seem counterintuitive, lifting weights can actually protect your spine from injury as long as you do it right.

Is it bad to arch your back when shoulder pressing?

Mistake 2: You're Arching Too Much

A notable back arch in the standing press isn't. The force of the weight is coming right down on your spine and an overarched spine can cause back pain.

How to arch your back in bed?

Start by lying on your stomach. Begin to raise your upper body slowly, while keeping your pelvis flat to the floor. Try to create an arch in your low back. Go up only as far as you can without discomfort.

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