Military press

The military press is a compound movement used to build size and strength in the shoulders. It was once contested as a fourth powerlift, but is rarely competed anymore. However, being able to press a significant weight overhead remains a popular marker of upper-body strength. The military press can be trained as a strength lift or in traditional muscle-building rep ranges as part of full-body, shoulder-focused, or upper-body training.

Benefits

Serious shoulder builder and overall strength measurement
Builds upper-body strength for other movements
Encourages healthy shoulder mobility
Triceps, core, upper back, and legs help move and stabilize the barbell

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

9.3

Average

Military press Images

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Military press Instructions

Start by placing a barbell that is about chest high on a squat rack. Once you have selected the weights, grab the barbell using a pronated (palms facing forward) grip. Make sure to grip the bar wider than shoulder width apart from each other.
Slightly bend the knees and place the barbell on your collar bone. Lift the barbell up keeping it lying on your chest. Take a step back and position your feet shoulder width apart from each other.
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 sitting as 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.
Another option is to use dumbbells when performing this exercise for better isolation.