ShouldersIntermediate

Seated Barbell Military Press

Strength movement using Barbell.

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Muscle guide

See the primary and supporting muscles.

The stronger highlight marks the main muscle associated with this movement. The lighter highlight marks supporting muscles.

Primary ShouldersSupporting Triceps

Movement instructions

1
Sit on a Military Press Bench with a bar behind your head and either have a spotter give you the bar (better on the rotator cuff this way) or pick it up yourself carefully with a pronated grip (palms facing forward). Tip: Your grip should be wider than shoulder width and it should create a 90-degree angle between the forearm and the upper arm as the barbell goes down.
2
Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip length, 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 collarbone 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.

Technique guidance

Inhale as the resistance lowers and exhale as you press overhead. Keep the ribs controlled and continue breathing between repetitions.

Arching the lower back or flaring the ribs to move the resistance overhead.
Pressing in an inconsistent path instead of stacking the load over a stable base.
Using momentum or an uncontrolled lowering phase.

Use a stable setup and a load or resistance you can control through a comfortable range.
Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or feel unwell.
Use collars and appropriate rack supports, safety catches, or a spotter when the exercise and load require them.

General guidance matched from movement type and equipment; it is not individualized coaching or medical advice.

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