I have been doing dumbell shoulder presses and want to change things up a bit. A trainer at the gym showed me how to do overhead presses on the Smith Machine which I love. However, he showed me behind the neck presses. I have read that behind the neck presses can result in rotator cuff injuries -- any comments? -- Toni

Don't do any exercise that goes behind the neck ... this includes shoulder presses and pulldowns.

The bottom portion of the movement puts the muscles of the rotator cuff in a compromised position which can lead to an injury.

Granted, there is a greater range of motion behine the neck on these moves, but is that worth a shoulder injury that will follow you around for the rest of your life?

Stay to the front and be safe.

I've had to rehab too many clients that had damaged rotators due to this type of move.

Dumbbell mil presses are about the best thing going. If you want to work the front head of the shoulders try:

dumbbell mil press twisting the dumbbells 90 degrees as you do the movement

Front Raise
Upright row

For the medial (middle delt):

Dumbbell Side lateral
Cable side lateral

For the rear delt:

Reverse dumbbell flyes
Reverse Pec Deck

I actually don't mind doing behind the neck lifts, but not as a power move (using max weight). In a light cycle where you are using 50% of your 8 rep max, I don't see a problem with it.

Behind the neck pulldowns are a no-no... at least for me anyway! That is how I was taught to do them in college and my shoulder is permanently messed up from them. It always pops!


Just my two cents...

Thanx Fern, Shark & Dan for your input. As much as I enjoyed those military presses, I will not do them behind the neck anymore. -- Toni