Overhead Barbell Triceps Extension
Also known as: Standing Barbell Triceps Extension, Barbell French Press, Overhead Standing Barbell Triceps Extension, Overhead BB Triceps Extension, Overhead Barbell Tricep Extension
Body region
Muscles
Main
Helps
Holds
Equipment
Technique
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and press a light barbell overhead with an overhand grip, hands about shoulder width or a little closer.
- Point the elbows forward and keep the upper arms close to your head.
- Bend the elbows to lower the bar behind your head until the forearms pass parallel to the floor.
- Straighten the arms to bring the bar back overhead.
Cues
- Only the forearms move: the upper arms stay still.
- Brace the abs and squeeze the glutes so the lower back does not arch.
- Start light: the elbows and shoulders are under stretch at the bottom.
Common mistakes
- Elbows flaring wide to the sides.
- Arching the lower back to get the bar overhead.
- Dropping the bar fast into the bottom position.