Shoulders
The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Exercise guide
Barbell Shoulder Press
Barbell Shoulder Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the chest, arms, and back.
Barbell
The equipment listed for this variation.
Intermediate
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Shoulders
Barbell Shoulder Press also involves chest, arms, back.
Strength
Movement pattern: vertical push. This is a compound exercise.
Intermediate
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
Instructions
How to do Barbell Shoulder Press
- 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).
- 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.
- Lower the bar down to the shoulders slowly as you inhale.
- Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutBeginner Strength Program
A simple strength-first plan that keeps the exercise menu small enough to progress consistently.
View workoutPowerlifting Beginner Program
A beginner-friendly powerlifting structure built around the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
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Push Press - Behind the Neck
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View exerciseArnold Dumbbell Press
Arnold Dumbbell Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms.
View exerciseDumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press
Dumbbell One-Arm Shoulder Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms and back.
View exerciseDumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the arms and back.
View exerciseRelated tools
Related calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
FAQ
Common questions about Barbell Shoulder Press.
What muscles does Barbell Shoulder Press work?
Barbell Shoulder Press primarily trains the shoulders and also involves the chest, arms, and back.
Is Barbell Shoulder Press beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate.
What equipment do I need for Barbell Shoulder Press?
This variation uses a barbell.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
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