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§ L · Exercises · ShouldersUpdated 6/2026

Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press

This exercise places significant load on the shoulders and requires good shoulder mobility in the behind-the-head position.

Muscle group
Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Moderate technique

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Shoulders
Supporting muscles
Triceps

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Sit on a bench with your back supported and place the barbell behind your head on top of your upper trapezius, plant your feet firmly on the floor, and brace your core.

  2. 02

    Grip the barbell with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width and position your elbows under the bar so your upper arms point out to the sides without drifting too far forward.

  3. 03

    Press the barbell straight up overhead until your arms are fully extended, keep your shoulder blades down under control, and avoid overextending your lower back.

  4. 04

    Lower the barbell under control back behind your head along the same path until it lightly touches your upper trapezius, keeping your shoulders within a pain-free range of motion.

How to get started at the gym

§ 03 · SisuLift

Barbell Seated Behind Head Military Press is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
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SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 04 · Tips

Keep your wrists straight and the barbell centered in your palms to maintain a stable pressing path. If you feel pinching in your shoulder, reduce the range of motion or switch to a front military press.

This exercise places significant load on the shoulders and requires good shoulder mobility in the behind-the-head position.

More exercises: Shoulders

§ 05 · Same muscles

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