Shoulders·Barbell·Compound
Barbell Shoulder Press
Shoulders · Barbell
Intermediate
Body Part
Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Force
Push
The Barbell Shoulder Press is an intermediate barbell exercise that primarily targets the Shoulders.
Muscles Worked
In Position
How to Do the Barbell Shoulder Press
- 1Sit on a bench with back support in a squat rack. Position a barbell at a height that is just above your head. Grab the barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing forward).
- 2Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip width, 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.
- 3Lower the bar down to the shoulders slowly as you inhale.
- 4Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
- 5Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
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Exercise data from the open-source Free Exercise DB. Library last reviewed June 22, 2026 · How these guides are written