Barbell Standing Military Press (Close Stance)
The standing military press with the feet together; the narrow base leaves no room to lean back or push with the legs, so the press stays strict.
How to do it
Setup
Standing with the feet together, glutes squeezed, bar at the collarbones, grip just wider than the shoulders.
Steps
- Squeeze the glutes and thighs before the bar moves.
- Press straight up to lockout, the head moving back and then through.
- Lower to the collarbones without shifting the feet.
Common mistakes
Rocking onto the toes or heels: brace the legs and glutes; the narrow base is on purpose. Leaning back to get the bar past the face: move the head, not the torso. Widening the feet under a heavy bar: lighten it; the stance is the exercise.
Breathing
Big breath before the press, exhale at lockout.
