Shoulder Taxation

Once again Let me introduce the Bands in another exercise.

Written By Jim Stoppani, PhD

Updated March 21, 2023

New Emphasis on Shoulders

The barbell Shoulder Press is a great exercise to develop boulder-sized shoulders. The key to gaining more strength with this movement isn't always to add more free weight. As you extend upward during the barbell shoulder press you actually become stronger the further up you press. This is why you see many individuals performing this exercise using only partial reps to complete the movement. If they understood that they should probably lower the weight they would get more out of the movement when full range of motion is utilized.

Going all the Way

So because if you use full range of motion when moving the barbell down and back up, technically you can only push as much weight as you are weak. In other words you can only press as much weight at the top as you can at the bottom (the bottom being your weak spot). So the question is how do you emphasize the strongest points in the muscle's range of motion with full reps? Augh! My answer ....add bands. Because the tension of the bands lessens the further you go down making the weight lighter at the bottom and increases tension the further you press up (making the weight heavier) your muscles are being taxed appropriately at all parts of the muscle range of motion.