Is the overhead press worth it for most lifters? In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson take a hard look at the most skipped lift in strength training: the overhead press.

They break down why it’s often abandoned, what makes it frustrating, and how to rebuild your pressing with smarter technique, variations, and programming for long-term strength and longevity. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain, struggling with progress, or questioning if it’s even worth your time, this episode gives you a clear, no-nonsense answer.

• Why the overhead press gets skipped—and whether that’s a mistake

• How to modify the press to fit your body and goals

• Variations like landmine and dumbbell presses that reduce pain and boost results

• How to think of the press as a movement skill, not just a lift

• Strategies for programming vertical pressing into a long-term training plan

• When to rotate, reduce, or temporarily remove the press
  
  

00:00 – Intro: Is the overhead press worth it?
02:10 – Why lifters skip the press
05:45 – Making pressing work for your body
08:25 – Smarter variations: landmine, dumbbell, incline
12:40 – The press as a skill-based lift
15:10 – Programming adjustments for recovery and sustainability
18:00 – Giving the press a second chance

#overheadpress #rethinkingthebiglifts #beastoverburden #barbelllogic #shouldertraining #smartlifting #deadliftalternatives #strengthafter40 #fitnesspodcast #strengthtraining #trainforlife #presswithoutpain #dumbbellpress #landminepress #liftinglongevity #trainingsustainably #liftingafterinjury #functionalstrength #liftingsmarter #barbellpress

PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• Niki on Instagram
• Andrew on Instagram

• Barbell Logic on Instagram
• Podcast Webpage
• Barbell Logic on Facebook
• Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com

Does the deadlift still matter in your training? If you’ve ever felt beat up by barbell pulls or unsure how to keep deadlifting as your goals and body evolve, this episode is for you. Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson unpack how the deadlift should serve you—not wear you down.

From trap bars to kettlebells, from smart programming to pain management, this is a no-nonsense guide to making the deadlift work for life—not just your PR sheet.

🎧 This is part of the Rethinking the Big Lifts series—where we challenge conventional thinking to build training that’s smarter, sustainable, and aligned with what matters most.

• Why the deadlift is more than just a max-effort pull from the floor

• When it’s time to modify—or skip—the conventional deadlift

• The benefits of trap bar and other variations

• How to manage fatigue and avoid overtraining

• What to do when the deadlift causes pain or stress

• How to deadlift for longevity, not just numbers

00:00 – Intro: Does the deadlift still matter?
01:58 – What is the deadlift really for?
04:30 – Trap bars, kettlebells, and why they’re not cheating
08:45 – Programming the deadlift without burning out
13:10 – When to modify, reduce, or skip barbell deadlifts
16:35 – If it hurts: programming fixes vs. ego traps
20:30 – Long-term lessons: deadlifting for life, not just PRs

#deadlifttraining #beastoverburden #rethinkingthebiglifts #barbelllogic #trapbardeadlift #strengthtrainingpodcast #longevityfitness #smarttraining #trainforlife #strengthoverego #liftingafter40 #backfriendlydeadlift #functionalstrength #barbelltraining #fitnesspodcastforlifters #customtraining #deadliftpainfix #liftinglongevity #coachedstrength #strengththatlasts

PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• Niki on Instagram
• Andrew on Instagram

• Barbell Logic on Instagram
• Podcast Webpage
• Barbell Logic on Facebook
• Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com

Is the bench press overrated—or just misunderstood? In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson challenge the default status of the bench press in most lifters’ routines. Whether you’re trying to get stronger, avoid pain, or train for the long haul, this conversation will help you rethink the bench’s role in your program—and whether it’s serving your goals.

This is part of the Rethinking the Big Lifts series, where we explore how foundational barbell movements evolve over time and how to train smarter, not just harder.

• Why the bench press is one of the most misunderstood lifts

• The real answer to “Is the bench press overrated?”

• How your goals determine whether and how to bench

• When the bench press might not be worth it

• Smarter alternatives to traditional benching

• How the bench press can evolve with you over your training life

• Why intention matters more than tradition in your programming

00:00 – Intro: Is the bench press overrated?
02:10 – Chest day myths and gym culture
04:45 – The bench as a useful tool—when used with intention
08:00 – Adapting the bench for your goals and body
11:20 – Alternatives to traditional bench pressing
14:15 – The bench press through different life stages
18:00 – Final thoughts: use the bench, don’t worship it

#benchexercise #barbellbenchpress #benchpressform #isbenchpressoverrated #beastoverburden #barbelllogic #strengthtraining #trainforlife #smarttraining #fitnessover30 #rethinkyourtraining #bigliftsseries #lifestylelifting #pressprogress #upperbodystrength #longtermfitness #liftingover40 #coachchat

PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE.

• Niki on Instagram
• Andrew on Instagram

• Barbell Logic on Instagram
• Podcast Webpage
• Barbell Logic on Facebook
• Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com