Standing Military Press
Also known as: overhead press, ohp, military press, standing press, shoulder press, strict press
Standing Military Press is a compound exercise for the shoulders. Main target: anterior deltoid. Also works: lateral deltoid, triceps long head, triceps medial head, upper traps and abdominals. Equipment: barbell.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- Start by placing a barbell that is about chest high on a squat rack. Once you have selected the weights, grab the barbell using a pronated (palms facing forward) grip. Make sure to grip the bar wider than shoulder width apart from each other.
- Slightly bend the knees and place the barbell on your collar bone. Lift the barbell up keeping it lying on your chest. Take a step back and position your feet shoulder width apart from each other.
- Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip length, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
- Lower the bar down to the collarbone slowly as you inhale.
- Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Common mistakes
- Arching the lower back hard — turning it into an incline press.
- The bar travels forward instead of straight up over mid-foot.
Tips
- Squeeze your glutes and abs — your torso should stand like a column.
- Once the bar passes your forehead, push your head forward through the window of your arms.
Used in these programs
The classic barbell 5×5: three sessions a week, two alternating workouts and a little more weight every time.
Beginner · 3 times a week · GymNovice 3×5 Strength ProgramFew lifts, fast progress: three sets of five on squats, presses and pulls, with the weight going up every session.
Beginner · 3 times a week · GymTiered Linear Progression, 4 DaysFour sessions a week, each with a heavy main lift for 5×3, a volume lift for 3×10 and a light accessory for 3×15.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · GymBeginner Powerlifting Program, 3 DaysSquat, bench press and deadlift three times a week: a heavy day for each lift plus the accessories that drive them.
Intermediate · 3 times a week · GymUpper/Lower 4-Day SplitFour sessions a week: two upper-body and two lower-body days, one heavy and one higher-rep in each pair.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · GymPush Pull Legs RoutineThree workouts split by movement: pushing muscles, pulling muscles and legs. Run the cycle once a week, or twice for six days.
Intermediate · 3 times a week · Gym3-Day Mass Building SplitThe classic mass split: chest and triceps, back and biceps, legs and shoulders. Each group once a week with plenty of volume.
Intermediate · 3 times a week · Gym5-Day Body Part SplitFive sessions a week: chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms. Lots of volume for one muscle per session, then a week to recover.
Advanced · 5 times a week · Gym2-Day Full Body WorkoutTwo full-body sessions a week for when time is short. Compound lifts and a few more sets each.
Beginner · 2 times a week · GymSimilar exercises
Alternatives with other equipment
