Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest is keen on staying injury-free in retirement. In a YouTube video released on August 13, 2025, he discussed why starting workouts with rear delt training can help prevent shoulder injuries.
Priest is considered one of the greatest bodybuilders to not win the Mr. Olympia title. Competing across decades, he was revered for his vascularity and conditioning levels. Having stepped away from the sport, Priest still hits the gym consistently, providing his fans with straightforward advice.
Since shoulder injuries are among the most common in bodybuilding, Priest decided to shed light on how to avoid them. It’s a tricky science because once the front delts start taking over on pressing movements, it can cause the shoulders to pinch.
Lee Priest Says Starting With Rear Delt Training Can Help You Avoid Shoulder Injuries
In the recent video, Priest explained that many individuals experience shoulder problems because their front delts are overdeveloped, causing the shoulders to pinch and pull forward.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“The front and side delts get a lot of work and develop quicker, which is why even doing bench press, the front delts get worked.
That’s why a lot of people get shoulder problems, because this will get more developed and pull your shoulders forward and start pinching.”
Priest shared that starting with rear delt work helps pull the shoulders back naturally, so lifters won’t sustain injury during pressing movements.
“That’s why a lot of the times now, had I known when I was younger, I’d start with rear delts first. Do your rear delt movements, build your rear delts up, because that will help pull the shoulder back and keep it nice, so you won’t get injured.
Because generally, by the time you’ve done chest, or you’ve done all your pressing and laterals, by the time you get to the rear delts, most people just go [quickly] and that’s it,” Lee Priest explained.
For a moment, it looked like bodybuilding fans might see Priest make a comeback. In early 2025, he renewed his IFBB Pro card, sparking interest from fans who’d like to see him back onstage. After being pressed on the matter, Priest revealed that triceps and chest atrophy have prevented him from making a return. However, if those issues heal up with stem cell therapy, he’d consider another contest.
Longevity and avoiding injuries go hand-in-hand for Priest. If he could go back in time, he’d start his chest and shoulder workouts with rear delts first to preserve his body.
RELATED: Lee Priest Criticizes ‘Blocky’ Standing Relax Pose & Competitors Dancing Onstage
Watch the full video from the Sam’s Fitness – Gym Equipment YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
