Barbell Military Press (With Hanging Band Technique)
The standing military press with plates hanging from the bar's ends on bands; the swinging load keeps the bar unsteady, so the shoulders fight to hold its line.
How to do it
Setup
Standing, feet hip-width, bar at the collarbones, a plate hanging from each end on a band, the plates still.
Steps
- Press slowly to lockout, keeping the plates from swinging.
- Pause overhead until the bar is still.
- Lower to the collarbones as slowly as you pressed.
Common mistakes
Pressing fast: the plates swing and throw the bar off line; slow and steady. Starting while the plates still swing: wait until they hang still. Heavy plates on the bands: go light; the instability is the work.
Breathing
Exhale on the press, inhale lowering.
