Exercise library
Shoulders
Seated Barbell Overhead Press
- Primary muscle
- Shoulders
- Also works
- Triceps
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Movement pattern
- Vertical push
- Role in a program
- Anchor lift
How to do it
Sit on an upright bench with the bar at collarbone height and grip just outside shoulder width. Press the bar overhead until the arms lock out, then lower under control. The seated position removes leg drive and isolates the shoulders.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the shoulders — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Barbell Front RaiseBarbellVertical push
- Barbell Overhead PressBarbellVertical push
- Barbell Push PressBarbellVertical push
- Barbell Upright RowBarbellVertical push
- Behind-the-Neck PressBarbellVertical push
- Arnold PressDumbbellVertical push
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the shoulders: