Larson Press

Also known as: Larsen Press, Larson Press (Barbell)

A bench press performed with the feet lifted off the floor and legs extended, removing leg drive so the chest, front delts, and triceps do all the work of pressing the bar.

How to do the Larson Press#

  1. Lie on a flat bench and grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width, then lift your feet off the floor and extend your legs straight out, keeping them together.
  2. Unrack the bar and hold it over your chest with your shoulder blades pulled back and down against the bench.
  3. Lower the bar under control to your mid-chest, keeping your body steady without leg drive or excessive arch.
  4. Press the bar back up until your arms are fully extended, keeping the bar path consistent.
  5. Keep your core braced and legs still throughout; re-rack the bar carefully when finished.

Muscles worked#

Track the Larson Press in Gript: your previous sets in view while you train, records detected automatically, and an estimated 1RM chart from every hard set.

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Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Larson Press work?

The Larson Press primarily works the chest. The triceps, front delts assist as secondary muscles — they stabilise the movement and take over when the main target fatigues. If you feel it mostly in the triceps, front delts, lighten the load and slow the lowering phase.

What equipment do I need for the Larson Press?

The Larson Press needs the following: Barbell, Bench. Nothing beyond that is required to run the movement as described above.

Is the Larson Press suitable for beginners?

Not as one of your first exercises. The Larson Press is rated intermediate, so it suits lifters who already have a few months of consistent training behind them. Build the pattern on an easier variation first, then come back to it.

What are good alternatives to the Larson Press?

Around the World, Barbell Bench Press, Cable Bench Press all train the same primary muscles as the Larson Press. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.