Barbell California Press
The Barbell California Press is a unique overhead pressing exercise that emphasizes shoulder stability and strength.
To perform the exercise, follow these steps:
- Start seated on a bench with a barbell at shoulder height.
- Press the barbell overhead while keeping your core engaged.
- Lower the barbell back to shoulder height with control.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
How to perform the Barbell California Press
- Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Barbell California Press using your barbell.
- Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your pectoralis major.
- 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 pectoralis major 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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