What exercise should be avoided for a person suffering from shoulder impingement syndrome?

Lateral raises can provoke impingement symptoms in some individuals, but the overhead press creates a more severe and sustained compression of the subacromial space, making it the primary exercise to avoid.

The seated row involves horizontal shoulder retraction at or below shoulder height, which does not narrow the subacromial space and is generally safe and even rehabilitative for impingement.

Shoulder impingement syndrome involves painful compression of the supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa between the humeral head and the acromion. The overhead press drives the shoulder through full elevation, maximizing contact pressure in the subacromial space and repeatedly irritating already-inflamed tissue, making it the most directly contraindicated exercise of the choices listed.

The bench press keeps the shoulder below 90 degrees of elevation in a horizontal plane, avoiding the critical impingement arc and posing minimal risk to the subacromial structures.