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Standing Behind Neck Press

Exercise Profile

Body PartShoulders
EquipmentBarbell
Primary MusclesDeltoid Anterior
Secondary MusclesDeltoid Lateral, Serratus Anterior, Triceps Brachii
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Introduction to the Standing Behind Neck Press

The Standing Behind Neck Press is a strength training exercise that primarily targets the shoulder muscles, while also engaging the upper back and triceps. It is suitable for those at an intermediate fitness level, particularly athletes seeking to improve their upper body strength and stability. People may incorporate this exercise into their routines to enhance their posture, promote muscle balance, and increase their overall power and performance in sports or daily activities.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Standing Behind Neck Press

  • Lift the barbell up and position it behind your head, at about the level of your shoulders, this is your starting position.
  • Slowly press the barbell upwards until your arms are fully extended above your head.
  • Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position behind your neck.
  • Repeat this motion for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring to keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.

Tips for Performing Standing Behind Neck Press

  • Controlled Movement: Avoid fast, jerky movements. Instead, lift and lower the barbell in a slow, controlled manner. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also maximizes muscle engagement, making the exercise more effective.
  • Avoid Overloading: One common mistake is trying to lift too much weight too soon. Start with a weight you can comfortably lift for 8-12 reps, and gradually increase as your strength improves. Overloading can lead to poor form and potential injury.
  • Keep Your Core Engaged: Throughout the exercise, keep your core muscles engaged. This will help maintain balance and stability, as well as

Standing Behind Neck Press FAQs

Can beginners do the Standing Behind Neck Press?

The Standing Behind Neck Press exercise can be challenging for beginners due to the level of shoulder flexibility and strength it requires. It can also potentially lead to injuries if not performed correctly. Beginners might want to start with simpler shoulder exercises like the standard shoulder press or lateral raises, and gradually work their way up to more complex exercises. As always, it's important to consult with a fitness professional or trainer to ensure proper form and technique.

What are common variations of the Standing Behind Neck Press?

  • Dumbbell Behind Neck Press: Instead of using a barbell, this variation involves using dumbbells, which can help improve balance and isolate each shoulder individually.
  • Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: This variation uses a Smith machine, which provides a guided barbell path, making the exercise safer and easier to control.
  • Single Arm Behind Neck Press: This variation involves pressing one arm at a time, which can help address any muscle imbalances.
  • Incline Behind Neck Press: This variation is performed on an incline bench, which changes the angle of the press, targeting different parts of the shoulder muscles.

What are good complementing exercises for the Standing Behind Neck Press?

  • Lateral Dumbbell Raises also complement the Standing Behind Neck Press as they focus on the lateral deltoids, helping to strengthen and balance the shoulder muscles, which can enhance overall performance and stability during the press.
  • Overhead Tricep Extensions are another complementary exercise as they specifically target the triceps, a secondary muscle group used in the Standing Behind Neck Press, thereby improving strength and endurance in these muscles and potentially enhancing the overall effectiveness of the press.

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