When not on TV, Adam Collard, a HYROX competitor, focuses on improving his clients' fitness. He recently shared three key tips for performing the barbell strict press correctly.
First, avoid arching the lower back; instead, contract glutes and align knees, hips, and shoulders to prevent injury.
Second, keep your head under the bar to ensure proper alignment of shoulders and elbows, engaging the upper back and reducing pressure on the lower spine.
Finally, understand that pausing at the top for breath offers more power for the next ascent, compared to resting at the bottom of the rep.
Doing these three steps can drastically improve one’s strict press performance.