The 5S Kids learning the basics of barbell training.

Here Millie is working with a 13kg barbell to work on overhead press technique.

The overhead press is a greatly underused exercise. A lot of it has to do with the fact the bench press tends to get all the attention when it comes to pushing exercises. However, it also comes down to the fact it’s an inherently hard exercise… It’s not uncommon to see individuals who excel in other lifts (squat/bench/deadlift), struggle when it comes to taking the barbell overhead.

Not only is the lift stressful strength wise, it also requires good mobility, specifically thoracic extension to allow the lifter to take the barbell overhead without the lower back having to compensate by hyper-extending (placing excess stress on their lumbar spine).