Barbell Shoulder Press / Overhead Press
- Place a bench with a back support inside a squat rack and set up a barbell at a height that is just above your head.
- Grip the barbell with an overhand grip.
- Space your hands out so that your elbows are bent at 90 degrees.
- Lift the bar to around shoulder level by extending your arms. This is the start position.
- Inhaling, lower the bar to your shoulders slowly.
- Hold for a count of one while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
- Push the barbell back to the start position as you exhaling as you do so..
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
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Related exercises to discover
Plank to Push-Up / Pushups / Walking Plank Up-Downs
Kettlebell Single / One Arm Clean and Press
Medicine Ball Throw to Chase
Barbell shoulder press / overhead press is a gym exercise that targets shoulders and also works abs and triceps and upper back & lower traps. Use the illustration and instructions above to learn how to perform this exercise with proper form. Related exercises that work similar muscle groups include Plank to push-up / pushups / walking plank up-downs, kettlebell single / one arm clean and press and medicine ball throw to chase. Browse our free illustrated exercise directory for more exercises.
👉 Want to use this exercise in a full workout? Our WorkoutLabs Fit workout app lets you follow ready-made home and gym workout plans or build custom workouts with exercises like this. Try it free today.
Exercise illustration licensing: Our exercise and yoga pose illustrations (static and animated) are selectively available for licensing for commercial and non-commercial projects. Visit our exercise illustrations licensing page for detailed information and to submit in inquiry.
Follow ready-made home and gym plans with visual demos and timers – or create custom workouts from exercises like this.
Build illustrated workout plans for your clients in minutes – then share them as branded PDFs or interactive workouts.
Our illustrated Yoga Cards deck is the perfect way to start practicing at home – no class, no studio, no experience needed. 100,000+ sold.
