Exercise / 197Animation available
Seated Barbell Overhead Press demonstration

Illustration by RepDB

Strength / Barbell

Seated Barbell Overhead Press

A strict seated overhead press with a barbell, removing hip drive and isolating the deltoids and triceps.

Equipment

Barbell

Experience

intermediate

Movement

compound

Primary musclesSecondary muscles

Triceps · Traps · Side Delts

Instructions

  1. 01

    Set an upright bench inside a rack with the pins at about shoulder height when seated.

  2. 02

    Sit with your back flat against the pad and unrack the barbell at the front of the shoulders.

  3. 03

    Press the bar overhead until the arms are fully extended, tucking the head through at the top.

  4. 04

    Lower the bar back to the collarbones under control.

  5. 05

    Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

Choose a load and range you can control. These instructions are general guidance, not a substitute for individual coaching.