Appears in642 Workouts*

Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press

Close-grip military press: Shoulder strength and stability! A challenging variation for serious lifters.

The Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press is a compound exercise that mainly works the shoulders and chest, with help from the triceps and traps. You'll need: barbell.

Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell

Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press Muscles Worked

Primary

Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid); Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head)

Secondary

Triceps (triceps brachii); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)

How to do the Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press

Starting Position: Stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Grip a barbell with a close grip that's narrower than shoulder-width, palms facing forward. The bar should be resting on your collarbone and upper chest area. Keep your elbows under the bar. Brace your core and retract your shoulder blades slightly to provide a stable base. Look straight ahead and maintain a neutral spine.

The Lift: Exhale as you press the barbell straight up overhead. Keep your head and chest up throughout the motion. Extend your arms fully at the top but do not lock out your elbows. Pause briefly when your arms are extended while maintaining control of the bar.

Lowering the Bar: Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position. Make sure to keep the motion controlled and avoid letting the bar drop quickly. Your elbows should come back down in front of your body as you return to the starting position.

Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining good form.

Safety Tips: Always warm up properly with lighter weights or dynamic shoulder exercises before performing the military press. Do not attempt this exercise with a weight that is too heavy, as it may compromise your form and increase the risk of injury. Avoid using momentum or arching your back excessively to lift the weight. Keep the motion strict and controlled. Consider using a spotter if you're working with heavier weights to ensure safety.

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Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press work?

The Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press mainly works the shoulders and chest, with help from the triceps and traps. The main muscles are the anterior deltoid and pectoralis major.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press?

Barbell.

Is the Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press go on?

It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Barbell Standing Close-Grip Military-Press variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Reverse-Grip Overhead Press, Barbell Behind-Back Push-Press, Close-Grip Bench Press and Barbell Close-Grip Larsen Press.

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