# Guillotine Press

URL: https://heatsy.app/ex/guillotine-press

Also known as: Neck Press, Barbell Neck Press, Guillotine Bench Press, Barbell Guillotine Bench Press

Body region: Chest, Shoulders, Arms

## Muscles

- Main: Pectoralis Major
- Helps: Deltoid, Triceps
- Holds: Serratus Anterior, Biceps

## Equipment

- Barbell or Smith Machine
- Flat Bench
- Squat Rack

## Technique

1. Set safety bars or pins just above neck height, or use a Smith machine with stops; a spotter is strongly advised.
2. Lie on a flat bench and take a grip wider than for a normal bench press.
3. Unrack the bar over the upper chest with the elbows flared out to the sides.
4. Lower the bar slowly toward the base of the neck, stopping a few inches above it.
5. Press the bar back up over the upper chest until your arms are straight.

### Cues

- Use loads well below your regular bench press.
- Stop short of the neck; the stretch on the chest is the point, not touching.
- Keep the descent slow and fully controlled every rep.

### Common mistakes

- Training it heavy or to failure without safeties or a spotter.
- Letting the bar bounce or drop toward the throat.
- Using it with shoulder pain; the flared-elbow position stresses the joint.

## Alternatives

- [Incline Bench Press](https://heatsy.app/ex/incline-bench-press)
- [Wide-Grip Bench Press](https://heatsy.app/ex/wide-barbell-bench-press)
- [Incline Dumbbell Press](https://heatsy.app/ex/incline-dumbbell-press)