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Standing Bradford Press

Standing Bradford Press is a beginner compound barbell exercise that mainly works your shoulders, with help from your triceps.

💪 Shoulders🏋️ Barbell📈 Beginner🔗 Compound🎯 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps
Standing Bradford Press: starting position
Starting position
Standing Bradford Press: end position
End position

How to do the standing bradford press

  1. Place a loaded bar at shoulder level in a rack. With a pronated grip at shoulder width, begin with the bar racked across the front of your shoulders. This is your starting position.
  2. Initiate the lift by extending the elbows to press the bar overhead. Avoid locking out the elbow as you move the weight behind your head.
  3. Lower the bar down to the back of the head until your elbow forms a right angle.
  4. Lift the bar back over your head by extending the elbows
  5. Lower the bar down to the starting position.
  6. Alternate in this manner until you complete the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: ShouldersSecondary: Triceps

Sets and reps

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

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Standing Bradford Press alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Face PullCable · IntermediateOverhead PressBarbell · BeginnerCuban PressDumbbell · IntermediateLeverage Shoulder PressMachine · BeginnerBattling RopesOther · BeginnerHandstand Push-UpsBodyweight · Expert

FAQ

What muscles does the standing bradford press work?

It mainly works your shoulders; your triceps assist.

How many sets and reps of standing bradford press should I do?

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

Is the standing bradford press good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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