The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the arms.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Shoulders
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck also involves arms.
Strength
Movement pattern: press. This is a compound exercise.
Intermediate
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck
- This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for easier pick up of the bar. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
- Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
- Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Your back should be kept straight while performing this exercise. This will be your starting position.
- Elevate the barbell overhead by fully extending your arms while breathing out.
- Hold the contraction for a second and lower the barbell back down to the starting position by inhaling.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Clean and Press
Clean and Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the core, legs, glutes, back, and arms.
View exerciseSeated Barbell Military Press
Seated Barbell Military Press is an intermediate-level shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the arms.
View exerciseAnti-Gravity Press
Anti-Gravity Press is a beginner-friendly shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the back and arms.
View exerciseBradford/Rocky Presses
Bradford/Rocky Presses is a beginner-friendly shoulder exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the arms.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck.
What muscles does Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck work?
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck primarily trains the shoulders and also involves the arms.
Is Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate.
What equipment do I need for Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck?
This variation uses a barbell.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.