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.

  1. Step 01

    Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor.

  2. Step 02

    Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly inside shoulder-width.

  3. Step 03

    Unrack the bar and hold it directly over your chest.

  4. Step 04

    Lower the bar slowly towards your lower chest or upper abdomen.

  5. Step 05

    Keep your elbows tucked close to your body.

  6. 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.