Larsen Press

Larsen press: done with the feet off the floor so the press comes only from the upper body.

• Compound
• Barbell
• Intermediate

How to do it

• Legs extended and held off the floor or resting on the bench, without driving with the feet
• Shoulder blades back and down with the chest lifted
• Lower under control to the chest with the elbows at about 45–75° and press

Sets, reps and tempo

Ranges: 4–8 strength · 6–12 hypertrophy · 1–3 RIR

Tempo: Lower for 2 s under control to your chest, brief pause, press with intent

Common mistakes

• Bouncing off the chest
• Pushing with the feet and defeating the purpose

Muscles worked

Primary

• Chest
• Triceps

Secondary

• Anterior deltoid

Alternatives

• Bench Press
• Dumbbell Bench Press
• Incline Dumbbell Press
• Parallel Bar Dips