LIBRARY / SHOULDER PRESS

Shoulder Press (Barbell)

Also called Barbell Shoulder Press, Overhead Press (Barbell), Seated Press (Barbell), Seated Military Press (Barbell), BB Shoulder Press, OHP

How to do it

Sit against a supported bench with a bar racked just above shoulder height and grip it slightly wider than shoulder width. Unrack, lower the bar under control to the upper chest, then press overhead to lockout without overextending your lower back. Keep your feet planted and shoulders against the pad.

Setup

Bar racked on the front delts, grip just outside the shoulders, elbows slightly in front of the bar. Squeeze glutes and brace so the ribs stay down.

Where you should feel it

Front shoulders driving, triceps finishing at lockout. Lower-back strain means you are leaning back instead of bracing.

When to use it

The main vertical press. Program early in a session, 4-8 reps, and move the head through as the bar passes the forehead.

Other shoulder press movements