What is the Military Press?

Answer:
Thought of primarily as a shoulder exercise, the military press

is a standard weight lifting exercise typically performed with a barbell. It is a rather basic, but very effective, exercise for overall strength.

The starting position for the traditional military press is standing, with the barbells at upper chest level, hands and arms tucked underneath, with an overhand grip. Your feet should be shoulder width apart and flat on the floor. From this position, the weight is then pressed directly overhead to a locked out position. The weight is then lowered to the starting position under control.

The weight can either be cleaned from the floor to the starting position, or lifted off of a rack. The exercise can also be performed seated, and with dumbbells. But, the traditional lift is standing with a barbell. Many feel, as I do, that the military press is essential to building strong shoulders.