ExercisesBarbell overhead press

Barbell overhead press

Bar at your collarbones, grip just outside shoulders. Squeeze your glutes and press straight up, moving your head back slightly to clear the bar.

StrengthBarbellDifficulty 3 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the barbell overhead press, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Bar at your collarbones, grip just outside shoulders. Squeeze your glutes and press straight up, moving your head back slightly to clear the bar.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • shouldersprimary
  • triceps
  • core

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

No barbell? Swap it out

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

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JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2