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EZ Bar Standing French Press

A standing overhead EZ bar triceps extension that loads the long head through a deep stretch while the wrist-friendly grip spares the elbows.

ArmsBarbellElbow extension
GoLightWeight mediaez-bar-standing-french-press

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Triceps

Secondary

CoreAnterior deltoidsForearm flexors

Equipment

Barbell

Pattern

Elbow extension

Setup

  1. 01Stand with feet hip to shoulder width apart, knees soft.
  2. 02Grip the EZ bar on the inner angled handles, palms angled up.
  3. 03Press the bar to arms length directly overhead.
  4. 04Brace the trunk and tuck the ribs so the lower back stays neutral.

Execution

  1. 01Bend the elbows to lower the bar behind the head under control.
  2. 02Keep the upper arms vertical and close to the ears.
  3. 03Lower to a full triceps stretch without letting the elbows flare.
  4. 04Drive the bar back to lockout by extending the elbows only.

Checkpoints

  • -Upper arms stay vertical beside the head throughout.
  • -Ribs stay down; no compensating arch through the lower back.
  • -Bar path stays behind the head, clear of the neck.
  • -Elbows reach full lockout at the top without shrugging.

Common mistakes

  • -Turning the movement into a push press by dipping the knees.
  • -Flaring the elbows out and cutting the stretch short.
  • -Overarching the lumbar spine under fatigue.
  • -Lowering the bar too fast and bouncing at the bottom.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps as a primary triceps builder.
  • -The long head works hardest in the stretched bottom position; do not shorten it.
  • -Switch to the seated version with back support to push heavier loads safely.

Related exercises

EZ Bar French Press on Exercise Ball

Barbell / Arms

Barbell Standing Overhead Triceps Extension

Barbell / Arms

Overhead Tricep Extension

Dumbbell / Arms

Skull Crusher

Barbell / Arms

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