Smith Standing Military Press
Step by step
How to perform
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and un-rack the bar.
- Press the barbell upwards until your arms are fully extended above your head.
- Hold for a moment at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the bar back down to the starting position at chest height.
- Repeat this motion for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise.
Overview
About this exercise
The Smith Standing Military Press is a strength training exercise designed to target the shoulders, upper back, and arms. It's an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced gym-goers, as it can be easily adjusted to match individual fitness levels and goals. People would want to do this exercise to improve upper body strength, enhance muscle definition, and boost overall athletic performance.
Coaching cues
Form tips
Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Your palms should face forward and your elbows should be directly under your wrists when you hold the bar. This ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of shoulder injury. A common mistake is flaring out the elbows, which can put excessive pressure on the shoulders.
Before you begin the press, engage your core and keep it tight throughout the exercise. This helps to maintain stability and protects your spine. A common mistake is to arch the back during the press, which can lead to lower back pain or injury.
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