The Abs in Overhead Lifts

Athletically, the abdominals’ primary role is midline stabilization, not trunk flexion. They are critical for swimming, running, cycling, and jumping, but never is their stabilizing role more critical than when driving loads overhead.

The heavier the load, the more critical the abs. When an athlete doesn’t engage the abs sufficiently, the body arches — pushing the hips, pelvis, and stomach ahead of the bar. This is a postural deformation.

The cue: every exercise is an ab exercise. Especially the press.