Close grip bench-press - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Close grip bench-press

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Close grip bench-press.

MediumTriceps

About this exercise

The close-grip bench press is a barbell pressing exercise with the hands set narrower than shoulder-width, shifting the emphasis onto the triceps. It also works the chest and front shoulders and is a great lift for building pressing strength and arm size.

How to Perform

  • Lie flat on a bench and grip the barbell with your hands about shoulder-width apart
  • Lift the bar off the rack and hold it over your chest with your arms extended
  • Keep your elbows tucked close to your body as you lower the bar to your lower chest
  • Pause briefly when the bar lightly touches your chest
  • Press the bar back up by extending your arms until they are straight
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Front shouldersMiddle chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Close grip bench-press

The Close grip 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.