Exercise guide
Standing Military Press
The Standing Military Press trains the shoulders and triceps from an unsupported standing position. The legs remain still while the trunk stabilizes the bar path.
Training context
Muscles Worked by the Military Press
The shoulders perform most of the pressing work while the triceps extend the elbows. The upper back, abdominals, and lower body stabilize the bar even though they are not listed as target muscles.
Use a grip that places the forearms approximately vertical near the bottom. Set rack safeties and avoid using leg drive when performing the strict variation.
Technique overview
Press from the shoulders without leaning back
Begin with the bar supported near the upper chest and wrists stacked over the forearms. Brace the torso, move the head slightly back, and press the bar overhead. Bring the head through once the bar clears it, then lower under control to the shoulders.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.