Z Press

PushBBDBKB

Overhead press performed seated on the floor with legs extended straight out, removing all lower-body and hip assistance. Demands strict thoracic posture and pure shoulder/core strength — a Zydrunas Savickas signature strength builder.

Demo: Strength coaching demo

Sets

3

Reps

5-8

Rest

2 min

Contraindications

Limited hamstring or hip flexibility making the seated position difficult — use a slight knee bend or cross-legged setup.

Setup

Sit on the floor, legs extended straight out in front (or crossed for a modified version), completely upright torso. Bar/dumbbells racked at the shoulders.

Execution

  1. 1Sit tall — no leaning back at all
  2. 2Press straight overhead without using the legs for momentum
  3. 3Keep the ribs down, avoid excessive lumbar arch
  4. 4Lower under control back to the shoulders

Key cues

  • Sit up as tall as possible before every rep
  • No leg drive — none available anyway
  • Ribs down, brace the abs
  • Press straight up, resist leaning back

Common faults

  • Leaning back to generate momentum (defeats the purpose)
  • Rounding the upper back
  • Losing tightness through the midsection
  • Using too much weight before mastering strict form

Tweaks

  • Cross-legged version for those with limited hamstring flexibility
  • Use dumbbells or kettlebells instead of a barbell
  • Add a pause at the bottom

Regressions

Muscles

Primary: Anterior Deltoid, Triceps Brachii, Core

Secondary: Upper Traps, Erector Spinae

Sources

Attribution: Zydrunas Savickas / Strongman canon