French Press - Lying Floor Barbell

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 8-12 Reps, 80 Wght

Beginner Triceps Strength Barbell Push Gym

Purpose: This exercise works primarily the triceps.

Benefits: The exercise eliminates isolates the triceps.

Lie on an exercise mat on the floor. Grasp a barbell, with palms up about shoulder-width apart. Push the barbell up so that it is over your head (not your chest). This angle will keep tension on your triceps throughout the exercise. Your elbows should be close to your body. This is your starting position. While holding the upper arms stationary, slowly lower the barbell to your forehead, keeping your forearms parallel to each other. Inhale during this movement. Slowly press the barbell back up to the starting position, keeping your upper arms stationary. Exhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.


The triceps is a straight muscle with three heads. The long head straightens the elbow, adducts the shoulder (brings it from a side position to the body) and extends the shoulder (brings the arm from a front position down to the body). The lateral head (outer head) straightens the elbow. The medial head also straightens the elbow.

Step 1

Lie on the floor, holding a barbell with straight arms over your head, palms up shoulder-width apart.

french-press-lying-floor-barbell-step-0

Lie on an exercise mat on the floor. Grasp a barbell, with palms up about shoulder-width apart. Push the barbell up so that it is over your head (not your chest). This angle will keep tension on your triceps throughout the exercise. Your elbows should be close to your body. This is your starting position.

Step 2

Lower the barbell to your forehead, keeping upper arms stationary and forearms parallel with each other.

french-press-lying-floor-barbell-step-1

While holding the upper arms stationary, slowly lower the barbell to your forehead, keeping your forearms parallel to each other. Inhale during this movement.

Step 3

Slowly press the barbell back up to the starting position, keeping your upper arms stationary.

french-press-lying-floor-barbell-step-2

Slowly press the barbell back up to the starting position, keeping your upper arms stationary. Exhale during this movement. Grasp an barbell with palms up about shoulder-width apart. Push the barbell up so that it is over your head (not your chest).