JM Press

Halfway between a close-grip press and a skullcrusher: lower the bar to the base of the neck with the elbows forward, then press back.

JM Press, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Lying, close grip on the bar, bar over the upper chest.

Steps

  1. Lower the bar toward the base of the neck, elbows tucking down.
  2. Stop halfway between a press and a skullcrusher.
  3. Press back up through the triceps.

Common mistakes

Turning it into a pure close-grip press: the elbows FOLD; the bar comes to the neck line, not the chest. Flaring: tucked. Heavy before the groove is learned: this is a technique lift first.

Breathing

Inhale lowering, exhale pressing.