The standing barbell overhead press (also known as a military or shoulder press) is a classic strength training exercise. Before the ascent of the bench press in the 1950s, it was the most important lift for upper body pressing strength. It mainly targets your shoulders and triceps, but it’s also great for the core muscles and athleticism in general.

In this episode, we’ll examine this lift in depth, including its technique, biomechanics, muscles worked, and variations.

We also spend a lot of time discussing why you shouldn’t give up on the lift once it gets harder and harder to add weight to the barbell. The overhead press will love you back if you only give it the attention it deserves, we promise.

This is the fourth episode in our series covering ”The Big 6” exercises: the bench press, squat, deadlift, overhead press, different kinds of rows, and pull-up/lat pulldown.

Up next week: The barbell row!

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