Barbell Standing Bradford Press
Description
The barbell Bradford press, named after Olympic lifter Jim Bradford, alternates between pressing the bar from the front to just over the head and from behind the neck to just over the head. The half-rep style keeps continuous tension on the shoulders and is a classic shoulder mass-builder.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Barbell Standing Bradford Press Instructions
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell at the front of your shoulders.
- Use a slightly wider than shoulder-width grip with palms facing up.
- Press the bar straight up just past the top of your head.
- Lower the bar behind your neck, stopping at the base of your skull.
- Press the bar back up just past the top of your head.
- Lower the bar to the front rack position at your chest.
- That sequence is one rep.
- Maintain a tight core and avoid leaning back during the press.
Barbell Standing Bradford Press Form & Visual
Barbell Standing Bradford Press Benefits
- Constant tension on the shoulders through partial reps
- Hits all three deltoid heads
- Classic Olympic-era shoulder builder
- Develops shoulder mobility through both press paths
- Strong tricep engagement at lockout
- Time-efficient pressing variation
Barbell Standing Bradford Press Muscles Worked
- Anterior deltoid
- Lateral deltoid
- Posterior deltoid
- Trapezius
- Triceps brachii
Barbell Standing Bradford Press Variations & Alternatives
- Barbell Overhead Press
- Behind The Neck Press
- Arnold Press
- Push Press
