ExercisesShoulder press machine

Shoulder press machine

Sit with your back against the pad and press the handles overhead until your arms are straight. Lower until your elbows are near 90 degrees and repeat.

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Two-panel demonstration of the shoulder press machine, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Sit with your back against the pad and press the handles overhead until your arms are straight. Lower until your elbows are near 90 degrees and repeat.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • shouldersprimary
  • triceps

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

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How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

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JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2