Barbell Butterfly Z Press

DeltoidsBarbellIntermediate

The Barbell Butterfly Z Press is a seated overhead press variation that emphasizes shoulder stability and core engagement.

  1. Begin seated on the floor with your legs extended and a barbell held at shoulder height.
  2. Press the barbell overhead while keeping your back straight and core tight.
  3. Lower the barbell back to shoulder height, maintaining control throughout the movement.
  4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Barbell Butterfly Z Press

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Barbell Butterfly Z Press using your barbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your deltoids.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your deltoids rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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