How to Do Standing Military Press
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the standing military press.

| Main muscles | Shoulders |
| Also works | Triceps |
| Equipment | Barbell |
| Level | Beginner |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- Start by placing a barbell that is about chest high on a squat rack. Once you have selected the weights, grab the barbell using a pronated (palms facing forward) grip. Make sure to grip the bar wider than shoulder width apart from each other.
- Slightly bend the knees and place the barbell on your collar bone. Lift the barbell up keeping it lying on your chest. Take a step back and position your feet shoulder width apart from each other.
- Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip length, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
- Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
- Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
Workouts with this exercise
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Gear for this exercise
Barbell and plates setA proper home strength setup for squats and presses.See it on Amazon →
Squat rack / power rackThe centre of a serious home gym.See it on Amazon →New fat-loss tips every day. Follow danfitnz everywhere: