Seated Barbell Overhead Press
Also known as: Seated Military Press, Seated Barbell Shoulder Press, Seated BB Overhead Press, Seated Barbell OHP, Seated BB Shoulder Press, Seated BB OHP
Body region
Muscles
Main
Helps
Holds
Equipment
Technique
- Set an upright bench inside a rack with the bar just above shoulder height when seated.
- Sit with your back against the pad and grip the bar slightly wider than your shoulders.
- Unrack the bar and hold it at the top of your chest.
- Press it straight up until your arms are locked out, then lower it back to the upper chest.
Cues
- Move your head back slightly to let the bar pass, then forward under it at the top.
- Keep the wrists stacked over the elbows.
- Keep the lower back against the pad.
Common mistakes
- Arching the lower back off the pad.
- Lowering the bar only halfway.
- Pressing the bar out in front of the face instead of straight up.