Neck Press

a.k.a. Clavicular Bench Press, Elbows-Out Barbell Press, Guillotine Press

Differentiation: Mechanics

This variation of a Chest Press of the Guillotine Press is unique. Here is how: you press the Olympic bar directly above your neck, | instead of above your pectorals, | (like you would do when performing a regular lying bench press). Pressing the bar above your neck | targets and develops your upper chest.


Starting Position

To get into starting position, do this...

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1) Locate a stationary flat bench.
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2) Set the Olympic bar on the bench's pegs so it is an arms' length above you.
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3) Load plates onto the Olympic Bar.
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4) Add a barbell collar to each end of the bar to keep the plates in place. If the plates slip off the bar during the movement you could injure yourself.
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5) Lie lengthwise on the stationary flat bench.
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6) ...with your feet flat on the floor, about 18 inches apart.
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7) Grasp the bar with your hands wide apart - with your palms facing forward.
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8) Lift the bar off the bench's pegs and move it forward so the bar is directly above your neck.

Main Mechanics

Once in starting position, do this...

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1) This is the starting position.
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2) Exhale as you lift the bar straight upward,
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3) ...until your arms are fully extended.
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4) Lock your elbows and hold this position for a count of one second.
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5) Then, inhale while you slowly lower the bar, using a slow and controlled movement
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6) ...until the bar is slightly above your neck.
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7) Repeat reps for a full set.
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8) Return the bar to the bench's pegs.


Proper Form

Pay special attention to following proper form by...

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Be sure to maintain control of the bar. Do not allow the bar to tilt forward or backwards. Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor.
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Keep your wrists straight and tight. If you compromise the form of your wrists, you will be at a high and unnecessary risk of injury.
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Press your shoulder blades firmly into the bench while pushing up each rep.
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Keep your elbows flared outward.


Gear Advice

When performing this exercise, it is important to add barbell collars to the bar - we have listed a link below to Lockjaw brand Olympic Barbell Collars - which you can order from Amazon dot com. For your hands, we encourage you to order the Harbinger 1250 Training Grip WristWrap Glove or use weightlifting chalk instead of wearing a glove.

Gear You'll Need

In Gym Gear Needed

Gear Type Gear
Bars Olympic Weight Bar

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