If anyone has a problems with the military press, than they might bend the knee's slightly and place one foot ahead of the other. This tends to reduce the stress on the lower back. Also, when the bar is held overhead too far forward, rather than straight overhead in a lockout position, stress is not only on the lower back but the shoulder joints themselves.
The push press (bar resting more on the heels of the palm...want the bar in line with the wrist...usually a false grip like most heavy bencher's do) is an exceptional exercise for size/thickness for the whole shoulder girdle. I would have to pick that one over the seated version of the overhead press for max returns of effort. Though the seated version does have it's place as a pure pressing exercise, also a good size builder. A stricter movement when the legs are taken out of the exercise. (and there is that old theory that the higher a given weight is raised from the point of ground level, the more resistance from gravity; as press or squat vs DL's...do not have a clue if this is true or not) Though the seated version can put undo pressure on a lot of guy's lower backs. If you have a pressing bench, so more the better. Alternate or use both pressing styles in the same workout.
When returning to the standing press Nodeal found it harder and used less weight. Adjustment to the mechanics (force/function/motor response), even only 4 month's ago, need relearning. After a couple of workouts Nodeal show be using a little more than before in the standing press. Good Luck.
Side Bar: A old friend of mine for Sicily use to sit flat on the floor, both legs straight out in front, and press a pair of 120lb+ DB's together like they were toys. Granted 120lbs are not overwhelming while standing or sitting on a bench but, to me, this was pure pressing power. He weighted about 200 at the time. Noticed, among the white boys, Italians seem very strong and good size muscle mass.
