Floor press

Barbell on the floor, or dumbbells

Also called barbell floor press

Lie on the floor with a barbell over the chest. Press up until the arms lock out, pausing when the elbows touch the floor.

Movement

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Upper body

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better1.7
Below average; better options exist for every goal. 3 sources.
- 2/5 For him four hard sets of floor press give little chest pump, so he doubts it stimulates his pecs much; incline dumbbell press pumps them far more. Renaissance Periodization, There IS a Best Chest Exercise (For You) @ 6:38videoExpert opinion2026checked by AI
- 1/5 Dismissed as a poor chest exercise next to the Swiss bar press, which he praises; the clip then argues for training through full range of motion. Renaissance Periodization, One of The Worst Chest Exercises @ 0:00videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
- 2/5 Great for triceps and lockout strength but limited range means pecs never fully stretch. Jeff Nippard, The Best And Worst Chest Exercises (Ranked By Science) @ 13:15videoExpert opinion2024checked by AI