Reviewed exercise · intermediate

Standing Barbell Overhead Press

A primary vertical push movement for shoulders.

Equipment

barbell

Typical range

3–12 reps

Also trains

triceps, core

Set up

Set the bar on the front shoulders with wrists stacked over forearms.

Execute

Brace and press while moving the head just clear of the bar path.

Finish with the bar balanced over the middle of the foot.

Coaching cues

• Squeeze before pressing.
• Finish over midfoot.

Common mistakes

• Leaning back to turn it into an incline press.
• Pressing the bar around the face in a large arc.

Modify or stop when relevant discomfort is reported. Educational content does not diagnose injury.