French Press - Lying Dumbbell Feet Up Alternate

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

Beginner Triceps Strength Dumbbell Push Gym

Purpose: This exercise works primarily the triceps.

Benefits: The exercise eliminates isolates the triceps.

Lie face up on an exercise mat with your feet in the air and your knees and hips are both at 90 degrees. Grasp dumbbells in each hand, with palms facing inwards (hammer grip). Push the dumbbells up so that they are 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 right dumbbell to beside your head. Inhale during this movement. Keep the elbow close to your head. Slowly press the dumbbell back up to the starting position, keeping your upper arms stationary. Exhale during this movement. While holding the upper arms stationary, slowly lower the left dumbbell to beside your head. Inhale during this movement. Keep the elbow close to your head. Slowly press the dumbbell 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 an exercise mat, holding dumbbells with straight arms over your head, palms facing inwards.

french-press-lying-dumbbell-feet-up-alternate-step-0

Lie face on an exercise mat with your feet in the air and your knees and hips are both at 90 degrees. Grasp dumbbells in each hand, with palms facing inwards (hammer grip). Push the dumbbells up so that they are 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 right dumbbell to beside your head, keeping upper arms stationary.

french-press-lying-dumbbell-feet-up-alternate-step-1

While holding the upper arms stationary, slowly lower the right dumbbell to beside your head. Inhale during this movement. Keep the elbow close to your head.

Step 3

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

french-press-lying-dumbbell-feet-up-alternate-step-2

Slowly press the dumbbell back up to the starting position, keeping your upper arms stationary. Exhale during this movement. Hold dumbbells in each hand, with palms facing inwards. Push the dumbbells up so that they are over your head (not your chest).

Step 4

Lower the left dumbbell to beside your head, keeping upper arms stationary.

french-press-lying-dumbbell-feet-up-alternate-step-3

While holding the upper arms stationary, slowly lower the left dumbbell to beside your head. Inhale during this movement. Keep the elbow close to your head.

Step 5

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

french-press-lying-dumbbell-feet-up-alternate-step-4

Slowly press the dumbbell back up to the starting position, keeping your upper arms stationary. Exhale during this movement. Hold dumbbells in each hand, with palms facing inwards. Push the dumbbells up so that they are over your head (not your chest).