Barbell overhead press
- Strength
- Intermediate
- Barbell
Muscles worked
Main: Shoulders · Also: Triceps, Core
Measured in reps.
How to do it
- Hold the bar at your collarbones, hands just outside your shoulders, elbows slightly forward.
- Squeeze your glutes and brace your abs.
- Press the bar straight up, moving your head slightly back then through.
- Lower it back to your collarbones.
Tip: Do not lean back. If you do, the weight is too heavy.
Take extra care if…
- You have a current problem with your shoulders, lower back, wrists. This exercise puts load through them.
- Weight held overhead. This is not recommended during pregnancy for some of these, so check with your midwife or doctor.
- Heavy load through the spine. This is not recommended during pregnancy for some of these, so check with your midwife or doctor.
General guidance only, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts, and get advice from a doctor or qualified professional if pain continues.