What is a French press exercise?

The French press is a triceps exercise. The bodybuilder stands with a barbell extended overhead, in a standard grip. He lowers the bar by bending the arms back, with the elbows stationary; then he extends the bar back up to the starting point overhead, according to Muscle & Strength.

Triceps extension is another name for the French press. The Bodybuilding website presents several variations of the French press. The exercise can be performed standing, sitting, or lying down, with a barbell, dumbbells or cables. The Muscle & Strength exercise profile describes the French press as at triceps isolation exercise for strength, with a push-type force. It is suitable for beginners.