do power lifters overhead press?

[abett07]

How often do power lifters overhead press and how much of a positive effect does the overhead press have on bench press?

Some guys at my gym think it has a negative effect by taking away time and energy that could be spent on the bench press

[BendtheBar]

Most powerlifters on this board overhead press. Most strength coaches program presses into their workouts.

I've pressed for decades. Stopped last year simply due to personal injury/strain issues that were derived from 20 years of horrible bench form. I've done a strict 315 BTN and seated overhead press.

My opinion...strength is always a good thing. I want shoulders as strong as possible. I want everything as strong as possible. Therefore I believe every lifter should build a strength base. Once they get to advanced stages or later in life a few dump overhead pressing completely.

You certainly can over-work the shoulders and have it take away from the bench, but in my years I have only done this when heavy overhead pressing (max singles/triples) each week along with 2-3x benching sessions.

Younger lifters and intermediate lifters with moderate strength probably won't see overhead pressing as an issue unless they are training with a lot of volume and/or frequency/intensity.

Balanced training is rarely a bad thing, especially while lifters are building their bases the first 3-5 years.

[J_Byrd]

Originally Posted by abett07

How often do power lifters overhead press and how much of a positive effect does the overhead press have on bench press?

Some guys at my gym think it has a negative effect by taking away time and energy that could be spent on the bench press

It was a big part of my training as a raw lifter and as I developed. I still work it in as much as my shoulders allow it. Translates well to the bench.

[austin.j.taylor]

If for nothing else OHP should be used to balance the shoulder muscles. Its an odd muscle group with all its angels of function and should be trained at as many angles as possible to maintain balance and prevent injury.

[J_Byrd]

http://www.ironscene.com/videos/2314...eadlift-at-220

[EliteDreams]

Im by no means experienced,but the OHP,to me,is a fun lift that trains my tris and delts,with the benefit of standing for core work.Increased ROM=more strength,bigger muscles IMO.This lift is a win for me.