Fysiqal

Isolation · Intermediate

French Press (Barbell Overhead Extension)

Isolation isolation exercise using barbell.
French Press (Barbell Overhead Extension) demonstration (no audio).
Movement pattern
Isolation
Difficulty
Intermediate
Equipment
Barbell
Mechanics
Isolation
Sides
Bilateral
Main plane
Sagittal

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How to do the French Press (Barbell Overhead Extension)

Cues reviewed by Kwabena Osei on

Setup

Hold an EZ-curl bar (preferred) or straight barbell overhead with your arms extended, elbows pointing forward.

  1. Lower the bar behind your head by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms still and pointing up.

  2. Extend your elbows back to full lockout -- this overhead position is an excellent way to train the long head of the triceps specifically, since the stretched position at the bottom loads it more than pushdown-style movements.

  3. Keep your elbows from flaring out wide as you lower and press.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the upper arms drift forward or back instead of keeping them fixed and pointing straight up throughout the set.

  • Using a straight barbell when an EZ-curl bar is available -- the angled grip is preferred for this lift and easier on the wrists.

Muscles worked

Primary

Secondary

None listed in the graph
How the knowledge graph models this movement

Each joint action, with the role and emphasis the graph assigns each muscle. These are qualitative anatomical labels, not measured muscle activation.

  • Elbow extensionprimary action

    Triceps brachii (prime mover, high emphasis); Triceps brachii (prime mover, moderate emphasis); Triceps brachii (prime mover, moderate emphasis)

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Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy or medical conditions.