Exercise guide

Barbell Seated Military Press

The Barbell Seated Military Press is a strict overhead pressing exercise that targets the shoulders and triceps while reducing lower-body involvement. The seated position helps enforce controlled pressing mechanics.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Intermediate
Movement
Compound
Bodyweight
No
Shoulders muscle illustration
Sculpt
How to

How to do the Barbell Seated Military Press

  1. 01

    Sit upright on a bench with back support.

  2. 02

    Hold a barbell at shoulder height with a slightly wider than shoulder-width grip.

  3. 03

    Brace your core and keep your chest tall.

  4. 04

    Press the barbell straight overhead until your arms are fully extended.

  5. 05

    Keep the bar path close to your face as it moves upward.

  6. 06

    Lower the barbell back to shoulder height with control.

  7. 07

    Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Avoid leaning back or arching your lower back.
  • Use controlled tempo throughout the movement.
  • Lower the bar slowly to maintain shoulder stability.
Equipment

What you need

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the Barbell Seated Military Press work?

The Barbell Seated Military Press primarily targets the Shoulders. Supporting muscles include Triceps.

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

The Barbell Seated Military Press is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups and joints in a single movement.

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

You need the following equipment: Barbell, Bench.

What difficulty level is the Barbell Seated Military Press?

The Barbell Seated Military Press is rated as intermediate difficulty. Some training experience is helpful for performing this exercise safely.

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