Handstand Pushups Vs. Shoulder Presses

Handstand pushups and shoulder presses work similar muscles in the same plane of movement. Both work your shoulders and triceps, and both recruit other muscles in your upper body for stability. Handstand pushups have the advantage of being able to be performed anywhere, while the shoulder press allows you to use more weight in a controlled manner. Consult a health-care practitioner before beginning any strength-training program.

Pressing

Shoulder pressing requires you to press a barbell from your shoulders to overhead with your arms fully extended. This effectively works the muscles of your shoulders and triceps, or the muscles on the back of your arms, according to a 1995 study published in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research." To effectively perform this exercise, tilt your head back to get your chin out of the way, then push your head forward as the bar rises. This keeps you from leaning back and straining your lower back.

Handstand Pushups

Even if your balance is not up to the task, you can perform handstand pushups by bracing your feet against the wall. By pushing yourself up and down, you work the same muscles as you do when overhead pressing. Unlike pressing, your range of motion is limited — go down too far and you hit your head. It is also difficult to add weight, although you can wear a weighted vest. If you decide to do this, you must ensure that the vest does not slide up and hit you in the face.

Dumbbells

You can also overhead press with dumbbells. Dumbbells give you an even greater range of motion than a barbell, but do not allow you to use more weight. If you have a shoulder issue, dumbbells may allow you to press without pain or injury. Start with the dumbbells above your shoulders, instead of under your chin. You then press the dumbbells up in a straight line, but they arc inward slightly at the top.

Machine Pressing

Machines exist that attempt to duplicate various forms of pressing, including overhead pressing. An advantage is that they often offer a wide variety of methods of gripping the handles, so you may find a very convenient method of pressing that eases some of the strain on your shoulders. You are, however, locked into the movement pattern of the machine, which may or may not suit your lifting style and your physique. You will have to carefully adjust the machine to get the most out of it.