Barbell exercise

Overhead Press (Barbell) form, muscles worked, and workout tracking

The barbell overhead press is a foundational compound movement that builds significant strength and hypertrophy in the shoulders, upper chest, and triceps. It is commonly used as a primary vertical pushing exercise to develop upper body power and core stability.

Overhead Press (Barbell) illustration

How to do Overhead Press (Barbell)

  1. 1Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, gripping the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width with palms facing forward.
  2. 2Rest the bar on your upper chest, engage your core, and squeeze your glutes for stability.
  3. 3Inhale and press the bar directly overhead, pushing your head slightly forward once the bar clears your face.
  4. 4Fully extend your arms at the top without shrugging your shoulders.
  5. 5Exhale while lowering the bar under control back to the starting position on your collarbone.

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Track Overhead Press (Barbell) in Plates

Save this movement to a workout template, log sets and rest periods, and keep your training history in one focused gym tracker.