Standing Front Barbell Raise Over Head

What it is

This intermediate isolation exercise strengthens your shoulders. You lift a barbell directly overhead, engaging your shoulder muscles. Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the movement for control. It focuses on developing shoulder strength and definition.

Technique tips

• Grip the barbell slightly narrower than shoulder width, palms down.
• Keep your core engaged for stability throughout the lift.
• Exhale as you lift the barbell, then inhale as you lower it.
• Maintain a slight bend in your elbows at all times.
• Control the barbell's descent; do not let the weight drop.
• Focus on a smooth, deliberate motion for each repetition.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.