Push Press Technique

[Matthieu Hertilus]

I have some videos of myself doing the push press and just wanted a review of my technique. From what I see, I have a pretty heavy arch in my lower back at the end of the movement, though it has never bothered me before. WOuld love to hear any critiques/comments.

I'm pretty sure the weights range from 155lbs to 175lbs.

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/6.../video/3491749

[Arden Cogar Jr.]

Matthieu,
I would personally like to see a better purchase on the bar out of the rack. Moreover, when you go into the dip, I've always been under the impression you should bring your elbows down and into a driving position - while still maintaing the rack position of the bar with the front delts.

You look very quick, snappy, and full of vigor with the movement. However, how does it look when you get toward maximal effort? If you have the ability to throw up your ME weights with your elbows high while in a finger tip rack position - more power to you. I, for one, cannot and I wouldn't advise it to those I train. But if you have that ability, I wouldn't change much - the arch issue is a non issue from what I see with that weight. You move the weight like it's nothing. Good work.

All the best,
Arden

[George Heckert]

That looks more like a push jerk than a push press. I say this because when you lock out overhead you are rebending your knees. A push press has no rebend of the knees after the initial dip and drive. I also agree with the points that Arden raised.

Other than that, everything looks pretty good. Keep up the strong work!

[Matthieu Hertilus]

Thank You for the advice guys. As far as keeping the elbows high, thats how I've always been used to doing it, and I have been able to go to my max using the same technique; however, I will try to dip by elbows down a bit just to get a feel of what you're suggesting. It does get annoying with heavier weights worrying about turning my wrists at the top so they're straight. I'm just glad that overall the technique seems to be ok. Thanks again for input guys.

[Aaron Gainer]

Lower the elbows a bit and get a better grip on the bar. I just see that being an injury hazard to your wrists when the weight gets real heavy, even possible slipping of the bar itself. Otherwise, the pressing movement is fine. I wouldn't change anything else!!!