Lying Triceps Press

An intermediate strength exercise for the triceps, done with an EZ bar and a bench or box.

Movement guide

Lying Triceps Press

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredEZ curl bar + A bench or box

Muscle focusTriceps

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

Lying Triceps Press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLying Triceps PressIntermediate · EZ curl bar + A bench or box

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

Lie on a flat bench with either an e-z bar (my preference) or a straight bar placed on the floor behind your head and your feet on the floor.
Grab the bar behind you, using a medium overhand (pronated) grip, and raise the bar in front of you at arms length. Tip: The arms should be perpendicular to the torso and the floor. The elbows should be tucked in. This is the starting position.
As you breathe in, slowly lower the weight until the bar lightly touches your forehead while keeping the upper arms and elbows stationary.
At that point, use the triceps to bring the weight back up to the starting position as you breathe out.

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.

Equipment

EZ curl bar + A bench or box

Level

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

Similar moves

Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To ChinIntermediate · EZ curl bar + A bench or box

Barbell bench press demonstrated on the 3D figure

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

Barbell floor press demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell floor pressIntermediate · A barbell

Cable lying triceps extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCable lying triceps extensionIntermediate · A cable machine + 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

Decline dumbbell triceps extension demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDecline dumbbell triceps extensionIntermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Lying Triceps Press work?

Mainly the triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Lying Triceps Press?

EZ curl bar + A bench or box.

Is the Lying Triceps Press 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 Lying Triceps Press?

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

How do I make the Lying Triceps Press harder?

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