How to do the Push Press
Muscles worked
| Role | Muscles |
|---|---|
| Primary | shoulders |
| Secondary | quads, triceps |
| Equipment | barbell |
| Difficulty | expert |
| Type | compound |
No barbell? Train the same muscles with these
Ordered by how likely you are to own the 6 options.
Easier than the Push Press
Same movement pattern, lower entry difficulty — work up from here.
Common questions
What muscles does the Push Press work?
The Push Press primarily works the shoulders, with the quads and triceps as secondary movers. Clean and Jerk, Jerk Balance, and Push Press - Behind the Neck train the same muscle, across 9 equipment types.
What equipment do you need for the Push Press?
A Barbell. Without a barbell, Handstand Push-Ups, Shoulder Press - With Bands, and Arnold Dumbbell Press train the same muscle, and 10 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.
Is the Push Press suitable for beginners?
It is rated expert. Start with Alternating Cable Shoulder Press, Anti-Gravity Press, and Bradford/Rocky Presses and work up.
Where should the Push Press go in a workout?
Early — the Push Press is compound, working 3 muscle groups, so run it first or second while you are fresh.
Similar exercises
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