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PowerliftingintermediateBarbell

Board Press

Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Chest, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate

Board Press demonstration

Board Press, starting position
Board Press, starting position
Board Press, finishing position
Board Press, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. One to five boards, made out of 2x6's, can be screwed together and held in place by a training partner, bands, or just tucked under your shirt.
  2. 2Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.
  3. 3You can take a standard bench grip, or shoulder width to focus on the triceps. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
  4. 4Lower the bar to the boards, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
TricepsChestForearmsLatsShoulders

Exercise Details

Category
Powerlifting
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Board Press work?

Board Press primarily targets the Triceps. It also works the Chest, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Board Press?

Board Press requires Barbell.

Is Board Press suitable for beginners?

Board Press is classified as intermediate level. Beginners should master foundational movements first.

Alternatives to Board Press

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.