Exercise Library / Arms

Military Press

How to do the Military Press with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Arms
Primary muscles
Shoulders
Secondary muscles
Triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Type
Compound
Level
Beginner

Video: “How to do the BARBELL OVERHEAD 'MILITARY' PRESS! | 2 Minute Tutorial” by Max Euceda on YouTube.

How to do the Military Press

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
  5. Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Military Press mainly works your shoulders, with help from your triceps.

Military Press start and finish positions

Military Press: Starting position
Starting position
Military Press: Ending position
Ending position

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