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

Incline Bench Press

by JP – Updated: 09/24/2016

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

Incline Bench Press - Bottom of ExerciseIncline Bench Press - Top of Exercise
BottomTop
Primary
Mover(s)
Muscles Used:Secondary
Mover(s)
Pectorals
(Upper Pecs)
Muscles Used in Incline Bench PressDelts (F)
Triceps
Other
Mover(s)
Biceps

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercises Database

 

– Barbell Incline Bench Press –

Exercise Type:

Compound Exercise, Push Movement

Form Instruction:

Lying face up on inclined bench, grab bar from rack with slightly larger than shoulder width grip , lower bar to upper chest (just missing your chin) and then raise until arms are nearly locked.

Tips and Techniques:

Ideal degree of incline should be about 30 degrees. Going higher will continue to take the pectorals out of the equation and turn it into more of a shoulder exercise (like the Military Press). At most you want to go up to 45 degrees.

With your incline bench, you aren’t going to be able to press as much weight as you would with the flat so keep that in mind when choosing an initial weight. The incline works the upper pecs (the clavicular head of the pectoralis major).

Trainer showing feet placement on the Incline Bench Press

Feet should be firmly planted on the floor (see Incline Dumbbell Bench Press) or on a platform if available (as pictured).

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:

  • Flat Bench Press
  • Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
  • Decline Bench Press
  • Machine-Based Incline Bench Press – Cable, Lever and Smith Machines offer alternative ways to do the exercise.

Substitutions:

The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press can be used as a substitution for prioritizing the upper pecs. The Incline Chest Press (with cable or lever machine, pushing resistance upwards at an angle rather than straight out as in the basic chest press).

Bodybuilding Equipment:

Incline Bench with Rack, Barbell and Weights

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercise Database

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