Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / shoulders

Barbell overhead press

Bar on front rack, narrow grip, elbows slightly in front, brace hard.

Muscles

Primary
front delts
Supporting
side delts, triceps, upper traps

Mechanics

Pattern
vertical press
Equipment
barbell, rack
Geometry
90° Alignment
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Delts and triceps lock the bar overhead; glutes stay squeezed throughout.
Progression
Add 2.5 kg when all reps are vertical with no hip push.
Regression
Use seated DB press or landmine press if shoulder mobility blocks setup.

Watch for

  • Pressing with a forward lean — turns it into an incline press
  • Flaring elbows wide — loses shoulder packing
  • Letting the bar drift forward off the forehead line

Substitutions

  • Seated dumbbell press
  • Machine overhead press
  • Landmine press
Open Barbell overhead press in the app →