About this exercise
The incline barbell bench press targets the upper chest, with help from the front shoulders and triceps, by pressing on a bench set at an upward angle.
Incline barbell bench-press
Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Incline barbell bench-press.
MediumUpper chest
How to Perform
- Lie back on the incline bench and grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width
- Unrack the barbell and hold it above your chest with arms extended
- Lower the barbell slowly to your upper chest
- Press the barbell back up to the starting position and repeat
Muscle Activation
Primary
Upper chest
Secondary
TricepsFront shouldersMiddle chest
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes content is coming soon.
About the Incline barbell bench-press
The Incline barbell bench-press is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.