Shoulders·Barbell·Compound
Standing Bradford Press
Shoulders · Barbell
Beginner
Body Part
Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound
Force
Push
The Standing Bradford Press is a beginner barbell exercise that primarily targets the Shoulders.
Muscles Worked
Shoulders primaryTriceps secondary
In Position
How to Do the Standing Bradford Press
- 1Place a loaded bar at shoulder level in a rack. With a pronated grip at shoulder width, begin with the bar racked across the front of your shoulders. This is your starting position.
- 2Initiate the lift by extending the elbows to press the bar overhead. Avoid locking out the elbow as you move the weight behind your head.
- 3Lower the bar down to the back of the head until your elbow forms a right angle.
- 4Lift the bar back over your head by extending the elbows
- 5Lower the bar down to the starting position.
- 6Alternate in this manner until you complete 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