Bent Press

Exercise Data
Main Muscle Worked: Shoulders
Other Muscles Worked: Triceps, Lower Back, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes
Equipment: Barbell
Mechanics Type: Compound

Tips: The bent press is one of the great classic lifts made famous by iron legend Eugene Sandow. It can be performed with either a barbell, dumbbell or kettlebell. Each implement offers its own particular "feel" (read punishment). To perform the bent press, you lift the weight with one hand over your head by slowly "corkscrewing" yourself underneath. It's extremely draining and the lifter needs to really concentrate when performing the movement. In the setup of the lift, position the feet roughly 18 inches apart with the foot on the side that you're holding the weight turned in slightly and the opposite foot turned approximately 90 degree to the side. As the lift begins, the weight is held in such a fashion that it's directly under the hip and you basically turn into it and lower yourself under the bar. As you continue to corkscrew under the bar, your off-side knee bends forward and the opposite knee approaches the ground which assists in stabilizing the balance of the bar. With the arm completely extended, you simply drive off the hip and extend upward. Maintain eye contact with the weight throughout the lift.