The Press, The Matrix, and You
/
If you struggle to use your hips effectively when pressing, you’re not alone. Many lifters either throw their shoulders back instead of reaching forward with their hips, or they simply have a small, muted, and ineffective “reach-and-bounce” hip action when they press.
If either of these situations describes you, recall The Matrix.
You’ve seen The Matrix, of course, because you’re part of the human race.
If you haven’t seen The Matrix . . . get yourself cultured up a bit and watch it tonight, then come back and read this article.
For the rest of the world, you remember the ability to dodge bullets. If you saw the movie when it first came out, you remember it because your jaw dropped to the floor when it happened.
“Dodge the Bullet.”
You can use this jaw-dropping ability - or your best impersonation of it - the next time you press.
Imagine that someone is standing directly off to your side - perhaps 10 yards away - as you stand ready to press. He’s pointing a gun directly at your buttocks, and he fires.
Dodge the bullet.
You instinctively know what this looks and feels like. You slam your hips forward quickly and aggressively. You then immediately stand back up with the same aggression, and this entire motion is exactly what you want to do when pressing.
Flex your quads hard to keep your knees straight, but beyond that, don’t complicate the issue. As you reach forward with your hips, the barbell will dip slightly, then bounce back up as you stand up and continue to press upward.
Channel your inner Matrix (or inner Dodgeball, if you prefer that movie), dodge the bullet, and you’re off to a great start in the press.
As always, we hope this helps you get stronger and live better.
-Phil
PS: Whenever you want even more Testify in your life, here are some free resources:
Book a free intro and strategy session with us HERE.
Pick up a free copy of Testify’s Squat Guide: 12 Tips to Improve Your Squat Now HERE.
Get our free weekly email - containing useful videos, articles, and training tips - HERE.
Follow Testify on Instagram HERE.
Subscribe to Testify’s YouTube channel HERE.
(Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Testify earns from qualifying purchases.)