Floor Press

The Floor Press is a intermediate compound movement that activates 3 muscle groups simultaneously. It primarily targets the Triceps, making it one of the more efficient exercises in RepStack's 873-exercise database.

powerliftingintermediatebarbellpushcompound
Floor Press - starting position

Starting position

Floor Press - ending position

Ending position

Muscles Worked

Primary Triceps
Secondary Chest Shoulders

The triceps handles the primary load during this movement. The chest and shoulders assist as stabilizers throughout the range of motion.

How to Floor Press

  1. 1

    Adjust the j-hooks so they are at the appropriate height to rack the bar. 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.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    Press the bar back up as fast as you can, keeping the bar, your wrists, and elbows in line as you do so.

Common Mistakes

  • • Brace your core before initiating the movement — maintain tension throughout the entire range of motion.
  • • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase for at least 2 seconds to maximize muscle fiber recruitment.
  • • Grip the bar evenly on both sides — even a small offset shifts the load asymmetrically.
  • • Keep the bar path as vertical as possible over your base of support.
  • • Avoid locking out aggressively at the top — stop just short of full extension to keep tension on the muscle.

Similar Exercises

Band Skull Crusher - starting position

Band Skull Crusher

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Bench Dips - starting position

Bench Dips

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Bench Press - Powerlifting - starting position

Bench Press - Powerlifting

intermediate triceps
Bench Press with Chains - starting position

Bench Press with Chains

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Board Press - starting position

Board Press

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Body-Up - starting position

Body-Up

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does the Floor Press work?

The Floor Press primarily works the Triceps. Secondary muscles include the Chest, Shoulders, which assist during the movement.

Is the Floor Press good for beginners?

The Floor Press is rated intermediate. Beginners should build foundational strength with simpler movements first, then progress to this exercise once comfortable with the movement pattern.

What equipment do I need for the Floor Press?

You need barbell to perform the Floor Press. Most commercial gyms will have this available.

Track Your Progress

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