An intermediate strength exercise done with a barbell that mainly works the chest, with help from the shoulders and triceps. Lie back on a flat bench. Start light, keep two clean reps in reserve, and add weight only when every rep looks the same.
Updated
Primary
Chest
Secondary
Shoulders, Triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate
Neck Press demonstration
Neck Press, starting positionNeck Press, finishing position
How to Perform
1Lie back on a flat bench. Using a medium-width grip (a grip that creates a 90-degree angle in the middle of the movement between the forearms and the upper arms), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over your neck with your arms locked. This will be your starting position.
2As you breathe in, come down slowly until you feel the bar on your neck.
3After a second pause, bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out and push the bar using your chest muscles. Lock your arms and squeeze your chest in the contracted position, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly again. Tip: It should take at least twice as long to go down than to come up).
4Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
5When you are done, place the bar back in the rack.
Video Tutorial
Tips & Common Mistakes
•Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
•Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
•Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
•As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently
