To optimize lat engagement and maximize strength in the military press, follow these steps.
Set Up with Intent Grip the kettlebell tightly. If you are pressing a barbell, think about “breaking the bar” apart. This cue helps engage the lats before the press even starts. Brace the midsection, maintaining a level and stable pelvis, and create full-body tension, as pressing is not just an arm movement.
Use the Lats to Initiate the Press As you press, imagine your lats driving the kettlebell or bar upwards rather than just your shoulders. Maintain control and resist letting the shoulders shrug.
Lockout with Stability At the top of the press, keep your lats engaged by actively pulling the kettlebell or bar back into position instead of just passively holding it. Avoid hyperextending your lower back; keep your ribcage stacked over your pelvis.
If you or your students are still struggling to engage your lats, I highly recommend incorporating some bottom-up training into your programming. To read how and why Betsy uses bottom-up kettlebell drills to enhance the use of the lats in the military press, click here. | 
