Seated Barbell Shoulder Press

BarbellBeginnerCompound
Animation from the GymStreak app · Get the app

Quick answer

Seated Barbell Shoulder Press is a beginner compound barbell exercise that mainly works the shoulders, with the traps and triceps assisting.

Written by the GymStreak coaching team

Muscles worked

Front
Back

Primary

Secondary

How to do Seated Barbell Shoulder Press

  1. 1

    Set up an incline bench at an upright angle. Sit down with a barbell held at shoulder level with your palms facing forward. Your hands should be holding the barbell at greater than shoulder width apart and create a 90 degree angle between your forearms and upper arm.

  2. 2

    Push the barbell directly up and locking you arms. This is your starting position.

  3. 3

    Slowly lower the bar as you inhale, reaching shoulder level.

  4. 4

    After a brief pause, raise the bar, exhaling as you do.

Form cues

  • Perform the reps slowly and in a controlled manner.

Related calculators

Perfect Your Seated Barbell Shoulder Press Form

Get detailed 3D demonstrations, track your progress, and receive personalized workout plans featuring this exercise.

Download AppBrowse Exercises
GymStreak Exercise Demonstrations