Does Bench Press work Shoulders? Find Out
A lot of people who go to the gym want to know does bench press work shoulders. The answer is yes – and no. Bench pressing does target the shoulders, but it’s not the only exercise that does. In this blog post, we’ll look at some other exercises that can help you build muscle in your shoulder area. We’ll also discuss how to properly execute a bench press so that you get the most out of this popular weightlifting move.
When most people think of the bench press, they think of it as a chest exercise. And while it does work your pecs, it also works your shoulders. The reason why is because when you lower the barbell to your chest, your shoulder muscles have to stabilize the weight. This is why you’ll often see people doing bench presses with a wider grip – it allows them to better engage their shoulder muscles.
If you’re looking to build bigger, stronger shoulders, then you’ll want to add some other exercises to your routine besides the bench press. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Seated military press: This exercise works your entire shoulder area, including your deltoids, rotator cuff muscles, and trapezius.
- Upright row: This exercise is great for targeting your middle deltoids.
- Lateral raise: As the name suggests, this exercise works your lateral (side) deltoids.
To get the most out of the bench press, make sure you’re using proper form. Lower the barbell to your chest slowly and under control – don’t let it drop! And when you push the barbell back up, focus on contracting your shoulder muscles as you do. You should also keep your core engaged throughout the entire exercise to help stabilize your body.
What is a bench press?
The bench press is a strength training exercise that works the pectoral muscles, triceps, and anterior deltoids. It is performed while lying on a flat bench with weights held in both hands above the chest. The exercise involves lowering the weights to the chest and then pushing them back up to the starting position.
The bench press can be used to increase muscle size, strength, and power. It can also be used to improve muscle endurance, bone density, and joint health. The bench press is one of the most popular exercises in the world and is a staple of many weightlifting routines.
Benefits of a bench press
- Works the pectoral muscles, triceps, and anterior deltoids
- Can increase muscle size, strength, and power
- Can improve muscle endurance, bone density, and joint health
How to properly execute a bench press:
- Lower the weights to the chest slowly and under control – don’t let it drop!
- When you push the barbell back up, focus on contracting your shoulder muscles as you do.
- Keep your core engaged throughout the entire exercise to help stabilize your body.
- Use a spotter when necessary.
- Start with lighter weights and gradually increase the amount of weight you are lifting over time.
Be sure to warm up before performing the bench press and cool down afterward. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort in your shoulders, chest, or arms. Consult a doctor or certified personal
Does a bench press work Shoulder?
The bench press is a compound exercise that primarily works the chest muscles. However, it also engages the muscles in the shoulders and triceps. As a result, the bench press can be an effective exercise for developing strength and size in the upper body.
Additionally, the bench press can help to improve posture and prevent injuries by creating balance in the musculature of the shoulders and chest. For these reasons, the bench press is a popular exercise for many weightlifters and bodybuilders.
However, it is important to perform the exercise with proper form to avoid strains or injuries to the shoulder joints. When performed correctly, the bench press can be a safe and effective way to build strength and muscle in the upper body. source
Which bench press is best for the shoulder?
The best type of bench press for the shoulder is a seated military press. This exercise works your entire shoulder area, including your deltoids, rotator cuff muscles, and trapezius.
To properly execute a seated military press:
- Sit on a bench with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
- Hold a weight in each hand at shoulder level with your palms facing forward.
- Press the weights overhead, extending your arms until they are straight.
- Lower the weights back to shoulder level and repeat.
Keep your core engaged throughout the entire exercise and breathe normally. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort in your shoulders, chest, or arms. Consult a doctor or certified personal trainer if necessary.
Start with lighter weights and gradually increase the amount of weight you are lifting over time. Be sure to warm up before performing the seated military press and cool down afterward.
In addition to the seated military press, other exercises that can help build strong shoulders include the upright row and lateral raise.
The upright row is a great exercise for targeting your middle deltoids, while the lateral raise works your lateral (side) deltoids.
To properly execute an upright row:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in each hand with your palms facing your thighs.
- Keeping your core engaged, lift the weights straight up to your chest, leading with your elbows.
- Lower the weights back down to your thighs and repeat.
To properly execute a lateral raise:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in each hand at your sides with your palms facing your thighs.
- Keeping your core engaged, raise your arms out to the sides until they are parallel with the floor.
- Lower the weights back down to your sides and repeat.
Remember to warm up before performing these exercises and cool down afterward. Start with lighter weights and gradually increase the amount of weight you are lifting over time. Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort in your shoulders, chest, or arms. Consult a doctor or certified personal trainer if necessary.
Final thought
The Bottom line is the bench press is a great exercise for developing the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps. However, it’s important to use proper form to avoid injury. In addition, some people may find that other exercises are more effective for developing their shoulders. Ultimately, the best exercise is the one that you enjoy and can perform safely. So whether you choose to bench press or do something else, make sure to have fun and stay safe!