Skip to content

Muscle map Overhead Press

Muscles worked in overhead press

The overhead (shoulder) press is a vertical push: the delts lift the bar, triceps lock it out, and the traps rotate the shoulder blades so the arms can finish overhead. Abs and lower back keep you from leaning back.

Get it on Google Play

Free on Android · 3-day Pro trial · Export up to 4K

front
back
Primary Secondary

Overhead Press: primary and secondary muscles

Primary muscles

  • Shoulders: deltoids, which raise and rotate the arm

Secondary muscles

  • Triceps: back of the upper arm, which straightens the elbow
  • Traps: trapezius, which shrugs and stabilises the shoulder blades
  • Chest: pectoralis major and minor, which press and bring the arms together
  • Abs: rectus abdominis, the "six-pack" that braces your trunk
  • Lower Back: erector spinae, which keep the spine extended under load

Form cues & reel idea

Form cues

  • Squeeze glutes and brace
  • Bar travels in a straight line
  • Head through at the top

Film it for Reels

Front-on footage plus a front-view map with the shoulders lit up is a clean, readable combo.

Try the muscle map sticker

General fitness information, not medical advice. If something hurts, stop and ask a qualified coach or physio.

Overhead Press: FAQ

What muscles does the overhead press work?

Overhead Press mainly works the shoulders. The triceps, traps, chest, abs and lower back assist and stabilise.

How do I show the muscles worked in my overhead press video?

In ZapZoop, add a Muscle Map sticker, tap the shoulders in one colour and the helpers in another, then place it on your clip. Front-on footage plus a front-view map with the shoulders lit up is a clean, readable combo.

Map your overhead press on video

Highlight the muscles you trained and post it in up to 4K.

Get it on Google Play

iPhone Coming soon

Join the ZapZoop for iPhone waitlist

  • Early access before the public launch
  • An exclusive launch discount on Pro
  • A say in what we build next
I make videos about (optional)

Only iPhone launch news. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy