For the barbell shoulder press, the goal is to create a stable pressing position so your shoulders and triceps can produce force without excessive compensation from the lower back.
—
▶️ Set your base first.
Keep your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, weight balanced through the whole foot, and knees softly extended rather than aggressively locked.
🔥 Brace your core and glutes.
Think about keeping your rib cage stacked over your pelvis. Avoid leaning backward to turn the movement into an incline press.
🤲 Use a comfortable grip.
A grip slightly wider than shoulder width usually allows your forearms to remain fairly vertical at the bottom of the movement.
🙆♂️ Move your head slightly out of the way.
As the bar begins upward, gently bring your chin back so the bar can travel relatively straight instead of being pushed forward around your face.
⬆️ Press up and slightly back.
Once the bar passes your forehead, allow your head to move forward so that, at the top, the bar is roughly stacked over the shoulders and mid-foot.
