Seated Barbell Press Video Guide
Exercise Profile
- Triceps
- Strength
- Barbell
- Compound
- Push
- Beginner
Exercise Instructions
- Sit down on a military press bench or adjust an adjustable angle bench, setting the back to 90 degrees.
- Load a barbell with the appropriate weight. Ideally, you can un-rack the weight from a weight rack or have a training partner hand you the bar.
- Hold the bar with an overhand grip (palms facing forward) with your hands just beyond shoulder width. Your arms will now be almost fully extended above your head with a slight bend in your elbows. This is the starting position.
- Slowly begin lowering the bar to your upper chest - almost touching your collarbone.
- Pause, and then begin pushing the bar back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for desired reps.
Shoulder Press Tips:
- Keep your back straight throughout the movement. Don't let it arc too much when pressing the weight.
- Use slow and controlled movement, both when pressing and when lowering the weight.
- Use a full range of motion by lowering the bar as far as possible, and raising all the way up without locking your elbows out at the top of the movement.
- Don't "rest" with the weight on your chest during the set!

















































Comments (17)
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Posted Sat, 05/19/2012 - 10:17
If im not a be begginer what would be the right amount of reps per set. What will be the adquate weight? I've been working out for 4 years now and I really want to get to that next level. Thanks for your help!
Posted Wed, 07/11/2012 - 11:54
Best thing to do is just start light, see what you can do and then adjust your workout from there. Keep a journal of your workouts for a while (if not always) so that you can look back and see what you did last time. Take notes when you're working out and write down if it was too light, just right or too heavy. Having a workout partner to spot you and help you through those last few reps that you just can't quite obtain is a great help too. AND DON'T neglect your legs! :-)
Posted Fri, 08/10/2012 - 19:23
Could i use a smith machine for this workout?
Posted Tue, 08/28/2012 - 23:12
What's the difference between this one and Military Press?
Posted Thu, 08/30/2012 - 15:25
The standing variation is called a military press.
Posted Sun, 09/09/2012 - 15:43
What are floor dumbbell presses?
Posted Fri, 09/21/2012 - 11:05
Here is the dumbbell floor press: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/dumbbell-floor-press.html
Posted Sat, 09/22/2012 - 17:29
So why would one do this, as opposed to a military press? It's a bit against my weight lifting religion to do sitting what I can do standing, but if there's a good reason to do this version instead (assuming there are no pathologies that would argue one way or the other), I'd love to hear it.
Posted Wed, 09/26/2012 - 16:20
There really is no right nor wrong choice. Seated variations provide some extra stability, but it all comes down to personal preference.
Posted Sun, 12/23/2012 - 22:25
The standing overhead press uses more muscle groups than the seated version. You have to use your abs and legs more to keep your balance, the military version is with your feet together, which makes keeping your balance even harder.
Posted Sat, 12/08/2012 - 11:04
Not sure how you guys can consider yourself expert in weight lifting. The guy in this video has nothing supporting his back.
Posted Thu, 12/27/2012 - 22:56
In reply to your comment, John, the guy in the video does have something supporting his back. He is against the back support of the bench. Check his reflection in the mirror.
Posted Thu, 12/27/2012 - 22:58
John,
Hey man, check the reflection.
Posted Wed, 01/02/2013 - 20:31
I have kinda bad shoulders, I've also heard that this exercise can be harmful to your shoulders? I'm wondering if I should stay away from these or not?
Posted Thu, 01/24/2013 - 21:07
Zach; i heard the same thing. Any alternatives out there?
Posted Wed, 03/20/2013 - 04:01
I have to say, as much as I like this exercise, it can easily lead to a shoulder injury if you are pushing those last reps in your last set. Which Is why now I prefer to do Arnold presses because its easier on the joints.
Posted Thu, 03/21/2013 - 17:15
Steve or anyone!
Is there any supplements on chest dips? What can I do instead of that?
Thanks
Ignas
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