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?
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.
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
A little flare is normal, especially depending on shoulder structure. It’s only sketchy if it feels unstable or painful.
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
Mine flare slightly too. When I force them tucked, my shoulders feel way worse.
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
Grip width plays a big role. Too wide and elbows fly out no matter what you do.
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
If bar path is straight and you’re not grinding through shoulder pain, you’re probably fine.
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Marshall-S12
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:29 pm
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
Some lifters press more in the scapular plane naturally. Bodies aren’t built the same.
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JaxBulk(JB)
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 12:27 pm
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
I cleaned mine up a bit by lowering the weight and slowing the eccentric. Elbows tracked better automatically.
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
If you’re flaring AND leaning back hard, that’s usually where issues start creeping in.
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Austin-SMX
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2025 1:33 pm
Re: Overhead Press Form Check - Elbows Too Wide or Totally Fine?
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.
