Barbell Standing Shoulders Press
Description
The barbell standing shoulder press, also known as the standing military press or overhead press, is the classic standing pressing movement. The bar is pressed from the front of the shoulders directly overhead while you stand. It builds total shoulder strength, triceps lockout, and significant core and lower back stability.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Barbell Standing Shoulders Press Instructions
- Set up a barbell at upper chest height in a power rack.
- Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width and unrack it onto your front shoulders.
- Step back and stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Brace your core hard and squeeze your glutes.
- Press the bar straight up overhead, moving your head forward as the bar passes.
- Lock out at the top with the bar directly over your shoulders and head.
- Lower the bar back to the front rack position with control.
- Reset your bracing before each rep.
Barbell Standing Shoulders Press Form & Visual
Barbell Standing Shoulders Press Benefits
- Builds total shoulder strength
- Develops core and lower back stability
- Strong tricep engagement at lockout
- Foundation pressing movement
- Functional carryover to overhead activities
- Allows progressive heavy loading
Barbell Standing Shoulders Press Muscles Worked
- Anterior deltoid
- Lateral deltoid
- Triceps brachii
- Trapezius
- Core
Barbell Standing Shoulders Press Variations & Alternatives
- Barbell Overhead Press
- Push Press
- Dumbbell Shoulder Press
- Strict Press
