Using Athletic Tape on the Big Lifts
On the subject of exercises, it is arguable that nothing beats the standing overhead press.
It’s one challenging lift, even if you use athletic tape or other such wraps to help support your joints.
It’s also the most visually impressive lift of all, and likely the most satisfying, as well.
After all, what could be more thrilling in the world of weightlifting than “locking out” on a substantial amount of weight right over your head?
Even for many who basically work out strictly for the health benefits, the standing overhead press is a great exercise to complete.
It’s one of those total-body movements, involving everything from the neck down to the ankles.
No, really!
Legs, arms, your torso – they’ve all got to help move the weight up and keep it up.
Just a quick run-down of all the actors involved would constitute a what’s-what of gym favorites: abs,
lats, traps, all three deltoid heads, spinae erectors and hips and quads and much, much more.
Unless, of course, you do the seated type, which is really not suggested because of the likely compression of vetebrae – for which no amount of athletic tape will ever help!
Additionally, the lower body would not be required any more, effectively reducing the intensity of the physical exercise by at least half.
Certainly, with enough reps and poundage, the overhead press can almost tackle the cardiovascular!
Speaking of which, combine the standing overhead press together with the power clean for a substantial dose of heart health – particularly when done for every rep rather than just at the outset of each set.
But that’s not all – you can increase the intensity still further by not basically dropping the bar at the end of the rep or set but bringing down it under control back onto the floor!
This will really get your program going.
It’s a fantastic exercise, and not much is really required – just clips to hold the weight plates in place on the bar and maybe athletic tape to wrap around crucial joints like knees and wrists.
Some people use a weight belt but it’s arguable that learning to perform the movement “naturally” is more advantageous.
Surely those who exercise recreationally rather than competitively must not need any such specialized equipment.
No need to get too technical; the standing overhead press is as straight-forward as it looks: just lift it over your head!