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Triceps exercise · ez barbell

EZ-Bar Close-Grip Bench Press

The ez-bar close-grip bench press is an ez barbell exercise that targets the triceps, with the chest and shoulders assisting.

Animated demonstration of the ez-bar close-grip bench press
EZ-Bar Close-Grip Bench Press — demonstration
Target muscle
Triceps
Also works
Chest, shoulders
Equipment
Ez barbell
Body part
Upper arms

How to do the ez-bar close-grip bench press

  1. Lie flat on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your back pressed against the bench.
  2. Grasp the ez barbell with a close grip, hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward.
  3. Lift the barbell off the rack and hold it directly above your chest with your arms fully extended.
  4. Slowly lower the barbell towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  5. Pause for a moment when the barbell touches your chest.
  6. Push the barbell back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the triceps. The chest and shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all triceps exercises or every ez bar exercise.

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