Head juts forward to accommodate the bar
Cervical spine is loaded under a compressive angle.
Overactive muscles
SCMSuboccipitals
Corrective work
Foam RollSuboccipitals (lacrosse ball)↗StretchSCM / scalene stretch↗Push · Upper Body
Behind-the-Neck Press (Machine or Smith)
Coaching cues
- Use a Smith machine or seated machine for safety
- Bar travels behind the head to the base of the skull
- Requires significant shoulder external rotation and mobility
- Only appropriate for clients with full pain-free overhead mobility
Common faults 2
Elbows drop in front — not staying wide
The behind-neck path requires elbows to stay wide; dropping shifts to front press.
Overactive muscles
Pec majorAnterior deltoid
Corrective work
Foam RollPectorals↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗