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Band Shoulder Press
An overhead press against a band anchored under the feet, giving ascending resistance that is easiest at the shoulders and hardest at lockout.
ShouldersBandVertical press
GoLightWeight mediaband-shoulder-press
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Anterior deltoids
Secondary
TricepsLateral deltoidsUpper trapeziusCore
Equipment
Band
Pattern
Vertical press
Setup
- 01Stand on the band with both feet about hip width apart.
- 02Bring a handle or loop end to each shoulder, palms facing forward or slightly in.
- 03Set elbows slightly in front of the body, under the hands.
- 04Brace the trunk and squeeze the glutes to lock the ribcage down.
Execution
- 01Press both hands straight up until the elbows reach full lockout.
- 02Keep the wrists stacked over the elbows as the band stretches.
- 03Finish with the biceps close to the ears.
- 04Lower under control back to shoulder height without losing tension.
Checkpoints
- -Full elbow lockout is reached every rep despite peak band tension.
- -Ribs stay down; no backward lean to finish reps.
- -Hands travel vertically, not out in front.
- -Feet keep the band pinned at a consistent width.
Common mistakes
- -Leaning back and turning it into an incline press.
- -Stopping short of lockout where the band is hardest.
- -Letting the band pull the hands forward on the descent.
- -Standing on the band unevenly so one arm works against more tension.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 20 reps; band tension makes low-rep maxes impractical.
- -Widen your stance on the band to increase resistance between band sizes.
- -Good option for lockout strength since resistance peaks where a barbell feels lightest.
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