Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

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Austin-SMX
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:33 pm

Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by Austin-SMX »

Noticed my elbows tend to drift out to the sides when I’m pressing overhead. I’m not sure if that’s something I should actively fix or if it’s just individual mechanics. No pain right now, just wondering if it’s limiting strength or setting me up for shoulder issues long term.
Richardd5
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:31 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by Richardd5 »

A little flare is normal, especially depending on shoulder structure. It’s only sketchy if it feels unstable or painful.
Luis-VIP
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:30 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by Luis-VIP »

Mine flare slightly too. When I force them tucked, my shoulders feel way worse.
AlexS#S
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 12:30 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by AlexS#S »

Grip width plays a big role. Too wide and elbows fly out no matter what you do.
JustinMk
Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2025 9:26 am

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by JustinMk »

If bar path is straight and you’re not grinding through shoulder pain, you’re probably fine.
Marshall-S12
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:29 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by Marshall-S12 »

Some lifters press more in the scapular plane naturally. Bodies aren’t built the same.
JaxBulk(JB)
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 12:27 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by JaxBulk(JB) »

I cleaned mine up a bit by lowering the weight and slowing the eccentric. Elbows tracked better automatically.
ThomasM
Posts: 26
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:28 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by ThomasM »

If you’re flaring AND leaning back hard, that’s usually where issues start creeping in.
Austin-SMX
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:33 pm

Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?

Post by Austin-SMX »

Appreciate all the input. Sounds like slight flare isn’t a dealbreaker as long as it feels strong and pain-free. I’ll keep an eye on bar path and not overthink it.
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