Exercise library · Arms
Close-Grip Bench Press.
A compound pressing exercise that emphasizes the triceps while also engaging the chest and front deltoids.
IntermediateBarbell, Bench
The numbers
Sets
3–5
Reps
5–10
Rest
90–180
Muscles
Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Chest · Front delts
The play-by-play
How to do it.
- Step 01
Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor.
- Step 02
Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly inside shoulder-width.
- Step 03
Unrack the bar and hold it directly over your chest.
- Step 04
Lower the bar slowly towards your lower chest or upper abdomen.
- Step 05
Keep your elbows tucked close to your body.
- Step 06
Press the bar back up to the starting position, extending your arms fully.
What separates good from great
Pro cues.
Maintain a controlled descent to protect your elbows.
Avoid flaring your elbows out wide.
Focus on triceps contraction at the top of the movement.