IronPath
Chest

Barbell Bench Press

CompoundIntermediate

How to do it

Lower to mid-chest with elbows ~45°, press back up over the shoulders.

Muscles

Primary

Chest

Secondary

Front Delts, Triceps

Steps to perform

  1. 1Lie on a flat bench with eyes under the bar and feet planted.
  2. 2Grip slightly wider than shoulder width, pull shoulder blades back and down.
  3. 3Unrack and lower the bar to your mid-chest with elbows ~45° from your torso.
  4. 4Press up and slightly back until arms are locked out over your shoulders.

Keep a slight arch and glutes on the bench.

Use a spotter or safety pins when training heavy.

Loads the shoulders. Plans swap it out if you report issues there.

Equipment

Barbell & plates
Flat bench
Squat rack / power cage

Alternatives

Flat Dumbbell Bench Press

Chest

Machine Chest Press

Chest

Push-Up

Chest

Close-Grip Bench Press

Triceps

Diamond Push-Up

Triceps