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You are here: Home / Weight Training Exercises Database / Decline Bench Press

Decline Bench Press

by JP – Updated: 09/24/2016

Muscles Used    •    Exercise Type    •    Form Instruction    •    Tips and Techniques    •    Recommended Reps    •    Common Variations    •    Substitutions    •    Equipment Needed

Decline Bench Press - Bottom of ExerciseDecline Bench Press - Top of Exercise
BottomTop
Primary
Mover(s)
Muscles Used:Secondary
Mover(s)
PectoralsMuscles used in the Decline Bench PressDelts (F)
Triceps
Other
Mover(s)
Biceps

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercises Database

 

– Decline Bench Press –

Exercise Type:

Compound Exercise, Push Movement

Form Instruction:

Lying face up on bench with feet secured by brace, grab bar from rack with slightly larger than shoulder width grip , lower bar to upper-middle chest and then raise until arms are nearly locked.

Tips and Techniques:

Ideal degree of decline should be around 20-30 degrees. You will experience less control with the decline as compared to the flat and incline… so a spotter, while always a good idea, becomes an even better idea. You should be able to handle as much weight as you do on the flat if not more.

Make sure your lift is perpendicular, straight up and straight down. Be careful staying in this decline position too long – blood is going downhill and can cause pressure to build up in your head especially if you are new to doing declines.

At the bottom of the exercise your upper arms should forming a 45 to 90 degree angle with your upper torso. The 90 degree angle may help keep the focus on the pectorals but can cause shoulder strain for some – if you feel pain lessen the angle.

Recommended Reps For Muscle Building:

6-12 the majority of the time, trying higher or lower reps on occasion.

Common Variations:

  • Incline Bench Press
  • Flat Bench Press
  • Decline Dumbbell Bench Press – Same motion but with dumbbells.
  • Machine-Based Decline Bench Press – Lever, cable and Smith machines give alternative ways to perform the exercise.

Substitutions:

The best substitute would be your Flat Bench Press. In addition, Bar Dips and Push-Ups can also target the sternal head of the pectorals major. The Machine-Based Decline Chest Press performed on a lever or cable machine is another idea. For this exercise, you are in a seated position slightly inclined and pushing away from the body at an angle to mimic that of the free weight version of the decline bench press.

Bodybuilding Equipment:

Decline bench with rack, barbell and weights.

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercise Database

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