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Seated Barbell Military Press

Shoulders Triceps Intermediate Strength Barbell
Seated Barbell Military Press Seated Barbell Military Press
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Force
Push
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Sit on a Military Press Bench with a bar behind your head and either have a spotter give you the bar (better on the rotator cuff this way) or pick it up yourself carefully with a pronated grip (palms facing forward). Tip: Your grip should be wider than shoulder width and it should create a 90-degree angle between the forearm and the upper arm as the barbell goes down.
  2. Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip length, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
  3. Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
  4. Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Seated Barbell Military Press work?

Seated Barbell Military Press primarily targets the Shoulders. It also engages the Triceps as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building shoulders development.

What equipment do I need for the Seated Barbell Military Press?

You will need a barbell to perform the Seated Barbell Military Press. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Seated Barbell Military Press suitable for beginners?

The Seated Barbell Military Press is an intermediate exercise. You should have a solid foundation of basic strength movements before attempting it. If you're new to training, start with simpler variations and progress to this exercise as your form and strength improve.

Is the Seated Barbell Military Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The Seated Barbell Military Press is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall strength and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Seated Barbell Military Press?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Seated Barbell Military Press?

Good alternatives include the Alternating Cable Shoulder Press, Alternating Deltoid Raise, Alternating Kettlebell Press. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Shoulders) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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