Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press

The barbell seated behind head military press is a compound shoulder exercise that targets the deltoids, with secondary emphasis on the triceps and upper back. It requires good shoulder mobility and stability, as well as proper technique to avoid injury.

Quick Facts

How to Do Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press with proper form and technique.

1. Sit on a bench with your back straight and feet flat on the ground.
2. Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
3. Lift the barbell off the rack and bring it down to shoulder level, behind your head.
4. Press the barbell upward until your arms are fully extended.
5. Lower the barbell back down to the starting position.
6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Benefits of Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press

Incorporating Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

• Delts Development: Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press directly targets and strengthens the Delts, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
• Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Triceps and Upper Back, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
• Progressive Overload Potential: Barbells allow for precise weight increments, making it easier to progressively overload the muscles over time for consistent strength gains.
• Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
• Advanced Training Stimulus: This challenging exercise provides the intensity needed for experienced athletes to continue making progress.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

• Warm Up Properly: Before performing Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Delts and surrounding muscles.
• Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
• Use Safety Equipment: When lifting heavy, always use a power rack with safety pins set at the appropriate height, and consider using a spotter for maximal attempts.
• Shoulder Protection: Avoid flaring your elbows excessively, which can strain the shoulder joint. Keep your shoulders packed and stable.
• Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
• Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
• Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
• Allow Adequate Recovery: The Delts typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press, track these metrics during your workouts: