Seated barbell shoulder press

The seated barbell shoulder press is a classic exercise for building muscle and strength in the shoulders. The triceps also play a significant role in pressing the barbell overhead. Performing the movement seated reduces help from the lower body and decreases the risk of overextending the lumbar spine during the movement. This press variation can be the primary pressing movement on an upper-body or shoulder day, or an effective accessory movement later in a workout.

Benefits

Builds shoulder muscle and strength
Seated position enforces strict form
Less risk of tweaking the lower back than with a standing press

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Shoulders
Equipment: Barbell
Level: Intermediate

9.2

Average

Seated barbell shoulder press Images

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Seated barbell shoulder press Instructions

Seated barbell shoulder press muscle diagram

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.
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.
Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Variations:

This exercise can also be performed standing but those with lower back problems are better off performing this seated variety.
The behind the neck variation is not recommended for people with shoulder problems as it can be hard on the rotator cuff due to the hyperextension created by bringing the bar behind the neck.