Muscles Worked:

The primary muscles worked during military barbell presses are the shoulders (delts). Secondarily are the triceps, traps and forearms.

Equipment Needed:

Barbell, seated bench

Sit on the bench and grip the barbell a little wider than shoulder width. Lift the bar off the rack and control the weight, lowering the bar below your chin. With an explosive motion, push the bar straight up over your head. Repeat this motion until you have completed you desired reps.

Form:

Keep your back straight with your abs and lower back tight. Don't lean back too much or you will shift more of the load from the delts to the upper chest and you'll be more susceptible to injury. At the top of the movement, don't lock your elbows. This will keep full tension on the delts and not shift more of the load to the triceps.

Range of Motion:

Be sure that you are taking the bar below your chin and pressing the weight up until your arms are almost straight but not locked. Don't cheat by doing partial reps.

Comments:

Military barbell presses are a great compound exercise that works the entire shoulder area. This exercise can be performed in front or behind the neck. Doing military presses behind the neck puts a lot of undue stress on the shoulder joint. I feel that doing military presses in front is much more beneficial. It is less stressful on the shoulder joints, you can handle more weight, and use a greater range of motion.