Seated Barbell Overhead Press

Seated with the back supported, press the barbell from the shoulders to overhead.

Seated Barbell Overhead Press, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Seated, back on the pad, bar at the collarbones, grip just outside shoulders.

Steps

  1. Press the bar to lockout over the shoulders.
  2. Move the head back slightly as the bar passes the face.
  3. Lower to the collarbones with control.

Common mistakes

Arching off the pad: the seat exists to prevent it; ribs down. Pressing around the face: bar travels straight, head moves. Half lockouts: bar over the shoulder joint, arms straight.

Breathing

Exhale on the press, inhale lowering.