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Exercise library

Barbell Push Press

Shoulders · Vertical push

Generic vertical push demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

Vertical pushCompound

An overhead press that uses a short dip and drive from the legs to move heavier weight than a strict press.

Difficulty
Hard
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

ShouldersTricepsQuadsCore

Equipment

Barbell

How to do it

  1. Set the bar on your front shoulders with your elbows slightly in front of the bar.
  2. Dip a few inches by bending your knees while keeping your torso upright.
  3. Drive hard through your legs and use that momentum to press the bar overhead.
  4. Lock the bar out over the middle of your feet, then lower it back to your shoulders under control.

Coaching cues

  • The dip is short and fast, only a few inches, and stays vertical.
  • Learn the strict overhead press first so you can control the weight on the way down.