Weightlifting for Rugby Fitness - The Overhead Press

Overhead Press tutorial as part of the Fitness Factory series designed to build fitness for rugby. The Overhead Press is the most useful sports specific upper body strength exercise once the raw strength has been developed by the Bench Press as it utilises the whole body to transmit force from the floor to the barbell in the same way you would when tackling or handing off an opponent. Brought to you by Rugby World Magazine.

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Sports

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• rugby
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• training
• overhead
• press
• world
• season
• conditioning
• weight
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[xxbigpimpin6969]

should you be able to overhead press the same weight as your bench? Or should your bench be stronger?

[rugbyworld08]

@xxbigpimpin6969 Your bench should be stronger

[Bogdyindahous]

What's the difference if you do it behind your neck or in front?

[rugbyworld08]

@Bogdyindahous in front is generally used because placing the bar on the back to press from puts the shoulder joint under extra stress. Both positions can be used though.

[Bogdyindahous]

@rugbyworld08 I see....I know it is more difficult than if you do it in front of your neck..But, is it more dangerous?:-? I mean you can injure your shoulders with the latter method?

[rugbyworld08]

@Bogdyindahous It places the shoulder in a compromised position of extreme external rotation and is potentially more injurious than the press from the front. More importantly it doesn't really achieve anything that can't be done with other safer exercises

[odeseoutlaw]

Can you use a curling bar for this?

[rugbyworld08]

@fusiondistro 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 5 reps for strength

[kwstas67]

mind if i ask a question?i am a beginner and i learned thaqt its better for the bench press to tuck in your elbows (if i dont do the hurt me).do u tuck in your elbows with the press too?

[crashxxx]

The best explanation of the exercise find, thanks.

[Bogdyindahous]

@rugbyworld08 Thanx a lot man! You're golden...keep helping others as well ;) It really will help me to know this next time I train my shoulders ;)

[bloodystain]

This exercise is my nemesis on the workout days in which it is present. Each set comes after a mental prayer of courage refilling lol.