Shoulders·Barbell·Compound
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck
Shoulders · Barbell
Intermediate
Body Part
Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Force
Push
The Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck is an intermediate barbell exercise that primarily targets the Shoulders.
Muscles Worked
Shoulders primaryTriceps secondary
In Position


How to Do the Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck
- 1This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for easier pick up of the bar. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
- 2Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
- 3Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Your back should be kept straight while performing this exercise. This will be your starting position.
- 4Elevate the barbell overhead by fully extending your arms while breathing out.
- 5Hold the contraction for a second and lower the barbell back down to the starting position by inhaling.
- 6Repeat 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