Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck

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

Movement guide

Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA barbell

Muscle focusShoulders · 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

Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding Barbell Press Behind NeckIntermediate · A barbell

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Bench press with bands demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBench press with bandsAdvanced · A barbell + A band + A bench or box

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

This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for easier pick up of the bar. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Your back should be kept straight while performing this exercise. This will be your starting position.
Elevate the barbell overhead by fully extending your arms while breathing out.
Hold the contraction for a second and lower the barbell back down to the starting position by inhaling.

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: Triceps.

Equipment

A barbell

Level

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

Similar moves

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

3D demoPush Press - Behind the NeckIntermediate · A barbell

Alternating cable shoulder press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating cable shoulder pressIntermediate · A cable machine

Alternating kettlebell press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating kettlebell pressIntermediate · A kettlebell

Double kettlebell military press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDouble kettlebell military pressIntermediate · A kettlebell

Double kettlebell push press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDouble kettlebell push pressIntermediate · A kettlebell

Kettlebell seesaw press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoKettlebell seesaw pressIntermediate · A kettlebell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck work?

Mainly the shoulders, with help from the triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck?

A barbell.

Is the Standing Barbell Press Behind 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 Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck?

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

How do I make the Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck harder?

Progress to the Bench press with bands, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.