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Push Press

A expert olympic weightlifting exercise for the shoulders, done with a barbell.

Push Press: starting positionPush Press: finishing position
Main muscles
Shoulders
Also works
Quads and Triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Expert
Type
Compound
Movement
Push

How to do the Push Press

    Sets and reps

    Strength3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
    Muscle3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
    Endurance or fat loss2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

    Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

    Alternatives to the Push Press

    Questions

    What muscles does the Push Press work?

    Mainly the shoulders, with the quads and triceps helping.

    Is the Push Press good for beginners?

    It's rated expert. Beginners can build up to it with a simpler variation first.

    What can I do instead of the Push Press?

    Good alternatives that train the shoulders: Clean and Jerk, Jerk Balance, Push Press - Behind the Neck or Rack Delivery.

    How many sets and reps of the Push Press should I do?

    Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

    Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).