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Exercise Guide

How to do machine hammer grip shoulder press

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The machine hammer grip shoulder press utilizes a neutral hand position to target the anterior and medial deltoids while being gentler on the shoulder joints. The fixed path of the machine provides excellent stability, allowing lifters to focus on muscle contraction and heavy resistance. This variation is particularly beneficial for those with shoulder impingement issues or those looking to add variety.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder, Rear Shoulder, Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Machine Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so your shoulders are aligned with the handles and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when your hands are on the handles. Select the desired weight.
  2. Grip: Grasp the handles with a hammer grip (palms facing each other). Your forearms should be vertical when your arms are bent.
  3. Starting Position: Sit with your back against the backrest, chest up, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. Press Upward: Exhale and press the handles upward, extending your arms until they are almost straight but not locked out.
  2. Hold at the Top: Briefly pause at the top, feeling the contraction in your shoulders and triceps.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Inhale and slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as it comes down.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows slightly in front of your body as you press upwards.
  • Head and Neck: Maintain a neutral head and neck position throughout the movement.
  • Full Range of Motion: Extend your arms almost fully at the top, but avoid locking out your elbows.
  • Breathing: Exhale as you press the handles up, inhale as you lower them.

Common mistakes: Pressing the head forward, locking the elbows aggressively, and not sitting fully against the backrest.

Alternatives

Cable

cable front raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell

barbell overhead press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing alternate press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell

barbell seated behind the neck press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing overhead press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench

barbell seated overhead press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell seated press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing alternate raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline y raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine

machine hammer grip shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine

machine seated shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell

kettlebell strict press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell

barbell front raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell

kettlebell upright row

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None

pike push-up

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band

resistance band overhead press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell push press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell arnold press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine

smit-machine seated shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine

smit-machine standing shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2