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Lever Shoulder Press V. 2

A machine shoulder press variation with converging handles that arc inward as you press, matching the natural path of the arms overhead.

ShouldersMachineVertical press
GoLightWeight medialever-shoulder-press-v-2

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Anterior deltoidsMedial deltoids

Secondary

TricepsUpper pectoralsSerratus anterior

Equipment

Machine

Pattern

Vertical press

Setup

  1. 01Set the seat so the handles begin just above shoulder level.
  2. 02Sit with the back flat against the pad.
  3. 03Choose the grip that lets the elbows track slightly forward of the torso.
  4. 04Brace and pull the shoulder blades gently down.

Execution

  1. 01Press the handles up and let them converge naturally toward the midline.
  2. 02Extend to full lockout without shrugging at the top.
  3. 03Lower under control, letting the handles trace the same arc back.
  4. 04Stop at shoulder level and begin the next rep.

Checkpoints

  • -Elbows follow the machine arc without fighting it.
  • -Shoulders stay down as the arms lock out.
  • -Torso stays on the pad without lumbar arching.
  • -The stack or plates stay under tension between reps.

Common mistakes

  • -Gripping too wide and forcing the elbows out of the machine arc.
  • -Shrugging into the neck at lockout.
  • -Bouncing out of the bottom position.
  • -Setting the seat so low the handles start at ear height.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps for hypertrophy.
  • -The converging arc is often more comfortable for cranky shoulders than a straight path.
  • -Alternate with the standard lever press to vary the pressing angle across blocks.

Related exercises

Lever Shoulder Press

Machine / Shoulders

Lever Military Press

Machine / Shoulders

Shoulder Press Machine

Machine / Shoulders

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