Incline Close-Grip Bench Press

Body region

• Chest
• Arms
• Shoulders

Equipment

• Barbell
• Adjustable Bench
• Squat Rack

Technique

1. Set the bench to a low incline under the rack so your eyes are under the bar.
2. Lie back with feet flat and shoulder blades pulled together.
3. Grip the bar about shoulder width apart and unrack it over your shoulders.
4. Lower the bar to your upper chest, keeping the elbows tucked close to your body.
5. Press the bar back up until your arms are straight over your shoulders.

Cues

• Keep wrists stacked over elbows.
• Keep shoulder blades pinned to the bench.
• Use a spotter or set the safety arms just below chest height.

Common mistakes

• Gripping so narrow that the wrists bend.
• Letting the elbows flare out.
• Bouncing the bar off the chest.

Variations

• Close-Grip Bench Press
• Incline Bench Press