Watch the video below to see a demonstration of proper form and technique for the seated french press exercise. You can also check out some more triceps exercise videos or find exercises for other muscle groups.

Instructions for Seated French Press

To perform a set of seated french press:

  1. Starting Position

    Sit on an almost vertical incline bench with your arms straight overhead and holding a barbell with a pronated grip shoulder width apart. Your trunk is supported on the bench in a neutral position.

  2. Eccentric (Lowering) Motion

    Without changing the angle of your arms relative to your body, bend your elbows to slowly lower the barbell behind your head. It is important to keep your arms far enough back to clear the edge of the bench for full range of motion.

  3. Bottom Position

    Pause at the bottom position for a 1 sec count while gripping the barbell firmly and maintaining tension.

  4. Concentric (Upward) Motion

    Without changing the angle of your arms relative to your body, raise the barbell up until your arms are fully extended. Remember to breathe normally throughout the entire movement.

  5. End position

    Repeat steps 1 through 4 until you have completed the desired number of seated french press repetitions before resting.

This completes one set of seated french press.