Standing Behind Neck Press
The barbell press from behind the neck, standing and free: no bench and no rails, so the legs and trunk steady the bar as well.
How to do it
Setup
Bar taken from the rack onto the upper back at the base of the neck, feet hip-width, grip wider than the shoulders.
Steps
- Press the bar up from behind the neck to lockout.
- Lock it out over the crown of the head, arms straight.
- Lower slowly, stopping around ear level.
Common mistakes
Leaning forward to let the bar pass: stay tall; the bar travels behind the head. Bouncing the bar off the neck: a slow stop at ear level. Knees dipping to help: that makes it a push press; keep the legs still.
Breathing
Exhale on the press, inhale lowering.
