Here are my three favourite shoulder exercises, in order of my preference:
1) Barbell Overhead Press
Probably the most criminally underrated and underused exercise in existence.
Why?
It’s equal parts tough and humbling because it is far and away the most technically demanding of all the basic barbell exercises.
Yet, when mastered, there is nothing quite like putting a significant percentage of your bodyweight overhead for reps with a degree of confidence bordering on derision.
Grows your shoulders like billy-o, too.
2) Barbell Push Press
Executed correctly, this lift is not only a lot of fun but also a surefire way to slap a bunch of muscle on your shoulders, upper back, and triceps for a universally desirable v-taper.
Did you catch the caveat?
“Executed correctly”.
All too often, I see men (and the occasional woman) tackling this lift with timidity that would make even a doormouse die from second-hand embarrassment.
A proper push press is completed with controlled aggression. Stellar form is also a prerequisite for anyone who doesn’t want to knock out a few teeth or mulch some combination of their shoulders, neck, elbows, and wrist into raspberry jam.
3) Barbell Klokov Press
So named for the legend that is Russian olympic weighltifter Dmitry Klokov (winner of the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the gold medal at the 2005 World Championships in Doha).
For the uninitiated, this is an ultra-wide grip (also called a “snatch grip”) behind the neck press.
Certainly not a movement for anyone with so much of a hint of a shoulder issue or anything less then excellent upper body mobility and flexibility, but for those who can manage it, the Klokov Press is a wonderful tool to have in your shoulder-building toolbox.
Those are my three favourite shoulder exercises.
Notice how they are all barbell lifts done in a standing position.
Something to keep in mind if you are serious about making significant, positive changes to your appearance and strength levels.
Anyway.
I’m talking about shoulder training today because November’s issue of “The Phil Tyreman Letter” goes into shoulder training in some considerable detail by way of a specialisation programme that is designed to aid you in your quest for a more aesthetically pleasing form.
(With a little critical thinking, you can make it work for other body parts as well.)
When you subscribe you will also get instant access to my large and shapely brain for any questions you may have or advice you may need about training.
The deadline to subscribe in time to get November’s issue looms (31/10 at 23:59 – i.e. tomorrow).
So if you would like in:
1) Visit the below page and read it carefully,
2) Click through to the Terms and Conditions page and read that carefully,
3) Enter your details at the secure checkout,
4) Pay,
5) Wait patiently for me to contact you via email with the onboarding paperwork (usually takes less than 12 hours but never more than 24 in any case),
6) Consume, apply, and benefit from the teachings in the book I will send you and the newsletter when it arrives.
https://philtyreman.co.uk/information/
Thank you,
Phil Tyreman