During the overhead press, which muscle group is primarily engaged and what is a safe cue?

• A. Deltoids; Keep wrists aligned with elbows and maintain a neutral spine
• B. Pectorals Major; Arch the back
• C. Latissimus Dorsi; Push with the spine
• D. Triceps; Lock elbows

Answer: (A)

The overhead press primarily works the shoulder muscles, especially the deltoids, which raise the arms overhead. The triceps help extend the elbows, while the core and upper back stabilize the body to keep the lift controlled. A safe cue is to keep wrists aligned with the elbows and maintain a neutral spine; this helps you press in a straight path and protects the wrists and lower back from excessive strain.

Pectorals major are more active in horizontal pressing, latissimus dorsi mainly stabilizes and pulls rather than drives the press, and pushing with the spine promotes unsafe spinal movement.