Chest exercise · smith machine
Smith Bench Press
The smith bench press is a smith machine exercise that targets the chest (pectorals), with the triceps and shoulders assisting.
- Target muscle
- Pectorals
- Also works
- Triceps, shoulders
- Equipment
- Smith machine
- Body part
- Chest
How to do the smith bench press
- Adjust the height of the smith machine bar to chest level.
- Lie flat on the bench with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
- Grip the bar with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Unrack the bar and lower it towards your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in.
- Pause for a moment when the bar touches your chest.
- Push the bar back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
- 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 chest (pectorals). The triceps and shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all chest exercises or every smith machine exercise.
