Exercise Library / Chest

Bench Press

How to do the Bench Press with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Chest
Primary muscles
Chest
Secondary muscles
Shoulders and triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Type
Compound
Level
Intermediate

Video: “How to Bench Press with Good Technique | Upper Body Push Strength ” by Syracuse Fitness Center on YouTube.

How to do the Bench Press

  1. Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. 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.
  2. However wide your grip, it should cover the ring on the bar. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
  3. Lower the bar to your lower chest or upper stomach. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times.
  4. Pause when the barbell touches your torso, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.

Muscles worked

The Bench Press mainly works your chest, with help from your shoulders and triceps.

Track your Bench Press progress

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