Purpose: Using a machine for shoulder presses will be safer if you exercise without a spotter. The movement is more controlled and therefore does not work the stabilizer muscles as hard as dumbbell shoulder press.
Execution: Begin by sitting down on the shoulder press machine and grasping the handles. Make sure that the seat height is appropriate; the handles should be just above your shoulder height. Now, push the handles up until your arms are fully extended. Hold the contraction at the top position for a second. Then, return the handles to the starting position and repeat until you have completed your set.
Variations: On many machines you can use palms facing forward grip or a neutral grip (palms facing each other). You can use either grip or vary your grips from time to time.
Insider Tip: Keep your back flat against the back pad; do not arch your back at all.
Comment:This exercise is great for people with shoulders problems like rotator cuff pains. I myself have those pains so I like to take some time off from shoulder pressing heavy free-weight to give my joints a break and this would be the exercise I switch to on shoulder days without a doubt.
