Floor Press with Chains

An intermediate strength exercise for the triceps, chest and shoulders, done with a barbell.

Movement guide

Floor Press with Chains

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA barbell

Muscle focusTriceps · Chest · Shoulders

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Chest press machine demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoChest press machineBeginner · Strength machine

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

Floor Press with Chains demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoFloor Press with ChainsIntermediate · A barbell

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Bench press with chains demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBench press with chainsAdvanced · A barbell + A bench or box + Other / check instructions

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Adjust the j-hooks so they are at the appropriate height to rack the bar. For this exercise, drape the chains directly over the end of the bar, trying to keep the ends away from the plates.
Begin lying on the floor with your head near the end of a power rack. Keeping your shoulder blades pulled together, pull the bar off of the hooks.
Lower the bar towards the bottom of your chest or upper stomach, squeezing the bar and attempting to pull it apart as you do so. Ensure that you tuck your elbows throughout the movement. Lower the bar until your upper arm contacts the ground and pause, preventing any slamming or bouncing of the weight.
Press the bar back up as fast as you can, keeping the bar, your wrists, and elbows in line as you do so.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Triceps. Also: Chest, Shoulders.

Equipment

A barbell

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Barbell floor press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell floor pressIntermediate · A barbell

Dumbbell Floor Press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell Floor PressIntermediate · A dumbbell

Barbell bench press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell bench pressIntermediate · A barbell + A bench or box

Close-grip barbell bench press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClose-grip barbell bench pressIntermediate · A barbell + A bench or box

Dumbbell bench press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDumbbell bench pressIntermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Incline dumbbell press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoIncline dumbbell pressIntermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Floor Press with Chains work?

Mainly the triceps, with help from the chest and shoulders.

What equipment do I need for the Floor Press with Chains?

A barbell.

Is the Floor Press with Chains good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Chest press machine.

What is an easier alternative to the Floor Press with Chains?

Try the Chest press machine. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Floor Press with Chains harder?

Progress to the Bench press with chains, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.