BodyBeats

One move

Barbell Bench Press

Strength Upper body

How to read ahead. Do to go one move at a time.

Lie on a bench, lower the bar to mid-chest, then press to lockout. Elbows stay under the bar, not flared to a T. Shoulder blades stay on the bench.

Option. Shoulders pinch at the bottom? Floor press — elbows stop on the floor, so the upper arm never drops past the torso. Use Dumbbell Floor Press if that is what you have. Empty or light bar first. Switch to Dumbbell Bench Press or Push-Ups if the bar is too much. Grip about shoulder-width, not a wide flare.

Show the steps
  1. 1

    Lie on the bench with eyes under the bar, feet on the floor. Grip about shoulder-width. Unrack and hold the bar over the chest with locked elbows. Shoulder blades stay on the bench.

  2. 2

    Lower the bar to mid-chest. Elbows stay under the bar. Wrists stay stacked over the elbows, not folded back.

  3. 3

    Pause a breath on the chest. Press to lockout. Exhale as you press.

  4. 4

    Keep the bar over mid-chest — not toward the face, not toward the belly.

  5. 5

    Rack the bar the same way you unracked it. A spotter is welcome.

  6. 6

    Stop or drop to a floor press if the shoulders pinch or the wrists fold back.

Barbell Bench Press

  • Builds pressing strength through a full range on a stable bench
  • Scales to an empty bar, a floor press, or dumbbells when shoulders or wrists need a shorter range
  • Teaches a stacked wrist, a set scapula, and elbows that stay under the bar

Barbell Bench Press

Upper body

Move type

Strength

Targets

Chest Triceps Shoulders

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The exercises on this website are general fitness ideas, not medical advice. Listen to your body, ease off if something feels sharp or wrong, and stop if you feel dizzy, faint, or short of breath. Talk to a doctor if you have any concerns.

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