Upper Arms Exercise · EZ Barbell

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EZ Bar Standing French Press

The standing EZ-bar French press is an overhead triceps extension. The upper arms stay near the overhead position while the elbows bend and straighten. A lying French press uses a bench and a different starting position; this page describes the standing variation.

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Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

EZ Barbell

Target

Triceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the EZ Bar Standing French Press

1. Stand in a stable stance and grip the angled sections of the EZ bar comfortably with both hands. Start with a light load.
2. Bring the bar overhead safely. Keep your torso upright and knees relaxed.
3. Bend the elbows to lower the bar behind your head through a comfortable range, keeping the upper arms reasonably steady.
4. Straighten the elbows to bring the bar overhead without leaning backward or bouncing at the bottom.
5. Repeat under control, then lower the bar safely. Reduce the load if you cannot maintain the setup.

Standing, seated and lying French presses

This guide covers the standing overhead variation. Seated versions add seated support; lying versions start on a bench. Choose instructions matching your setup. An EZ bar can weigh less than an Olympic bar, so check its actual weight before using the plate calculator.

Technique & Form Tips

Elbow extension raises the bar while the upper arms stay near the overhead position. Use a comfortable grip and range instead of forcing the elbows into a fixed position.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaning backward: Keep the torso steady and reduce the load if lifting it requires a large backward lean.
• Swinging the upper arms: Let the elbows bend and straighten while the upper arms stay reasonably steady.
• Forcing the grip or depth: Choose a comfortable angled grip and lowering range.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe in as the bar lowers and breathe out as you extend the elbows.

Comfort and Control

Stop if the movement causes pain. If you have an existing condition, ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The EZ Bar Standing French Press mainly targets your Triceps, with your Shoulders helping support the movement.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have ez barbell? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

Body-Up Body Weight · Triceps Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Cable Alternate Triceps Extension Cable · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the EZ Bar Standing French Press work?

The EZ Bar Standing French Press mainly works your triceps. Your shoulders also works to help support and steady your body. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the EZ Bar Standing French Press?

You do the EZ Bar Standing French Press with an EZ bar with a load you can control overhead and enough clearance around you. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the EZ Bar Standing French Press?

One mistake to watch for is leaning backward: Keep the torso steady and reduce the load if lifting it requires a large backward lean.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the EZ Bar Standing French Press?

To tone and grow muscle, do 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 smooth reps with 60 seconds of rest, focusing on a full stretch and squeezing the muscle at the top of each rep.

What's a good alternative to the EZ Bar Standing French Press?

The Body-Up trains your triceps with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.