Barbell Shoulder Press

Barbell Shoulder Press — Start position
Start position
Barbell Shoulder Press — End position
End position
Region
Shoulder & Scapula
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
compound
Force
push

Muscles worked

  • shoulders
  • chest
  • triceps

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Sit on a bench with back support in a squat rack. Position a barbell at a height that is just above your head. Grab the barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing forward).

  2. Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip width, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.

  3. Lower the bar down to the shoulders slowly as you inhale.

  4. Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.

  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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