Get the App

Board Press

Triceps Chest Forearms Lats Shoulders Intermediate Powerlifting Barbell
Board Press Board Press
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Force
Push
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Begin 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. Tuck 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. You 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. Lower 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.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Board Press work?

Board Press primarily targets the Triceps. It also engages the Chest, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective powerlifting exercise for building triceps development.

What equipment do I need for the Board Press?

You will need a barbell to perform the Board Press. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Board Press suitable for beginners?

The Board Press is an intermediate exercise. You should have a solid foundation of basic powerlifting movements before attempting it. If you're new to training, start with simpler variations and progress to this exercise as your form and strength improve.

Is the Board Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The Board Press is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall powerlifting and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Board Press?

For powerlifting, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Board Press?

Good alternatives include the Band Skull Crusher, Bench Dips, Bench Press - Powerlifting. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Triceps) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

Track this exercise

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

Get Another One