Back to library

Exercise Library

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

  1. 01Stand on the band with both feet about hip width apart.
  2. 02Bring a handle or loop end to each shoulder, palms facing forward or slightly in.
  3. 03Set elbows slightly in front of the body, under the hands.
  4. 04Brace the trunk and squeeze the glutes to lock the ribcage down.

Execution

  1. 01Press both hands straight up until the elbows reach full lockout.
  2. 02Keep the wrists stacked over the elbows as the band stretches.
  3. 03Finish with the biceps close to the ears.
  4. 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.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play