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Last updated February 2, 2026
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shoulders
Military Press (Machine)
Adjust the seat so the handles are at shoulder level. Press straight up without arching your lower back. Control the descent carefully.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
front shoulders
Secondary
triceps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
weight machines / selectorized
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the seat height of the machine so that the handles are at shoulder level when you sit down.
- Sit down with your back against the pad and your feet flat on the floor, ensuring a comfortable position.
- Step 2Grip the Handles
- Reach up and grasp the handles with an overhand grip, positioning your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Ensure your wrists are straight and aligned with your forearms.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Engage your core and keep your back pressed against the pad throughout the exercise.
- Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground and your elbows bent at about a 90-degree angle.
- Step 4Press the Handles
- Push the handles upward in a controlled manner until your arms are fully extended overhead.
- Avoid locking your elbows at the top of the movement.
- Step 5Lower the Handles
- Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, keeping your movements controlled.
- Ensure that your elbows remain slightly bent as you lower the handles.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pressing and lowering motion for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully return the handles to the starting position.
- Stand up slowly, ensuring you maintain balance, and exit the machine safely.