What To Know
- In this blog post, we’ll compare push ups and overhead presses head-to-head to help you decide which one is right for you.
- However, the overhead press places more emphasis on the shoulders, while the push up works the chest and triceps more.
- Yes, you can do push ups and overhead presses on the same day, but it’s important to give your muscles enough time to recover.
When it comes to upper body strength training, two exercises reign supreme: the push up and the overhead press. Both exercises target the chest, shoulders, and triceps, but they do so in different ways. So, which exercise is better?
In this blog post, we’ll compare push ups and overhead presses head-to-head to help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll cover the muscles worked, benefits, and drawbacks of each exercise, and we’ll give you some tips on how to perform them correctly.
Muscles Worked
Push Ups:
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Triceps
- Core
Overhead Press:
- Shoulders
- Triceps
- Upper back
- Core
As you can see, both exercises work a similar group of muscles. However, the overhead press places more emphasis on the shoulders, while the push up works the chest and triceps more.
Benefits
Push Ups:
- Can be done anywhere, with no equipment
- Great for building strength and endurance
- Improves core stability
- Helps to improve posture
Overhead Press:
- Builds strong, powerful shoulders
- Improves shoulder mobility
- Helps to develop a strong upper back
- Can be used to improve athletic performance
Drawbacks
Push Ups:
- Can be difficult for beginners
- May put strain on the wrists
- Not as effective for building muscle mass as other exercises
Overhead Press:
- Requires a barbell or dumbbells
- Can be dangerous if performed incorrectly
- May not be suitable for people with shoulder injuries
Which Exercise Is Right for You?
The best exercise for you depends on your individual fitness goals and abilities. If you’re a beginner, push ups are a great place to start. They’re easy to learn and can be done anywhere. As you get stronger, you can add overhead presses to your routine to build even more strength and power.
If you’re looking to build muscle mass, both push ups and overhead presses are effective exercises. However, overhead presses are generally more effective for building shoulder mass.
If you have any shoulder injuries, it’s important to talk to a doctor or physical therapist before performing overhead presses.
How to Perform Push Ups Correctly
1. Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together.
2. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows.
3. Keep your back straight and your core engaged throughout the movement.
4. Push back up to the starting position.
How to Perform Overhead Presses Correctly
1. Hold a barbell or dumbbells in front of your shoulders with an overhand grip.
2. Press the weight overhead until your arms are fully extended.
3. Slowly lower the weight back to the starting position.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Push Ups and Overhead Presses
- Focus on good form. This will help you to get the most out of the exercises and avoid injuries.
- Challenge yourself. If you’re not seeing results, try increasing the weight or the number of repetitions.
- Be consistent. The key to building strength is to be consistent with your workouts.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which exercise is better for building muscle?
A: Both push ups and overhead presses are effective for building muscle, but overhead presses are generally more effective for building shoulder mass.
Q: Which exercise is better for beginners?
A: Push ups are a great exercise for beginners because they can be done anywhere, with no equipment.
Q: Can I do push ups and overhead presses on the same day?
A: Yes, you can do push ups and overhead presses on the same day, but it’s important to give your muscles enough time to recover.
