Push Press - Behind the Neck

An intermediate strength exercise for the shoulders, calves, quads and triceps, done with a barbell.

Movement guide

Push Press - Behind the Neck

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA barbell

Muscle focusShoulders · Calves · Quads · Triceps

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Machine shoulder press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoMachine shoulder pressBeginner · Strength machine

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

Push Press - Behind the Neck demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPush Press - Behind the NeckIntermediate · A barbell

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Power jerk (push jerk) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPower jerk (push jerk)Advanced · A barbell

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Standing with the weight racked on the back of the shoulders, begin with the dip. With your feet directly under your hips, flex the knees without moving the hips backward. Go down only slightly, and reverse direction as powerfully as possible. Drive through the heels create as much speed and force as possible, moving the bar in a vertical path.
Using the momentum generated, finish pressing the weight overhead be extending through the arms.
Return to the starting position, using your legs to absorb the impact.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Shoulders. Also: Calves, Quads, Triceps.

Equipment

A barbell

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Double kettlebell push press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDouble kettlebell push pressIntermediate · A kettlebell

One-arm kettlebell push press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoOne-arm kettlebell push pressIntermediate · A kettlebell

Push press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPush pressIntermediate · A barbell

Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding Barbell Press Behind NeckIntermediate · A barbell

Clean and Press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClean and PressIntermediate · A barbell

Alternating cable shoulder press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating cable shoulder pressIntermediate · A cable machine

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Push Press - Behind the Neck work?

Mainly the shoulders, with help from the calves, quads and triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Push Press - Behind the Neck?

A barbell.

Is the Push Press - Behind the Neck good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Machine shoulder press.

What is an easier alternative to the Push Press - Behind the Neck?

Try the Machine shoulder press. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Push Press - Behind the Neck harder?

Progress to the Power jerk (push jerk), or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.