Is Shave suitable for beginners?

Shave is an intermediate exercise due to the overhead shoulder demand. Beginners should build shoulder strength and stability through Arm Circles and Salute before progressing to Shave.

What muscles does Shave work?

Shave targets the triceps and shoulder stabilisers with the overhead press movement, while the upper-back muscles control the return. The core works throughout to prevent the trunk from swaying or the ribs from flaring.

What is Shave good for?

Shave is excellent for building overhead shoulder strength and stability. Because it requires pressing behind the head, it develops a range of shoulder motion that is often neglected in everyday movement and gym training.

How is Shave different from an overhead press?

In Shave, the elbows start behind the head rather than at the sides. This places the shoulder in a different arc and emphasises the posterior shoulder stabilisers and triceps more than a conventional overhead press.

Exercise

Shave

Intermediate

Kneeling strap exercise on the reformer pressing the arms overhead and behind the head for shoulder stability and trunk endurance.

Setup instructions

Kneel on the carriage facing the footbar with shins flat. Hold a strap in each hand and bring the hands behind the head, elbows wide. Grow tall through the spine and find neutral pelvis.

Breathing cues

Exhale to press. Inhale to return.

Movement steps

1Exhale to press both hands upward and forward, extending the elbows overhead.
2Inhale to bend the elbows and return the hands behind the head with control.
3Keep the trunk upright and the pelvis stable throughout.
4Avoid letting the elbows drift too far forward.

Common mistakes

Leaning back on the press; letting the ribs flare; moving the elbows too far forward; losing the upright trunk.

Safety notes

Keep the shoulder blades settled and use a controlled range. Avoid with shoulder impingement or elbow issues.

Connections

Muscles worked

Goals supported

Equipment needed

Related exercises

FAQs

Is Shave suitable for beginners?
Shave is an intermediate exercise due to the overhead shoulder demand. Beginners should build shoulder strength and stability through Arm Circles and Salute before progressing to Shave.
What muscles does Shave work?
Shave targets the triceps and shoulder stabilisers with the overhead press movement, while the upper-back muscles control the return. The core works throughout to prevent the trunk from swaying or the ribs from flaring.
What is Shave good for?
Shave is excellent for building overhead shoulder strength and stability. Because it requires pressing behind the head, it develops a range of shoulder motion that is often neglected in everyday movement and gym training.
How is Shave different from an overhead press?
In Shave, the elbows start behind the head rather than at the sides. This places the shoulder in a different arc and emphasises the posterior shoulder stabilisers and triceps more than a conventional overhead press.