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Triceps exercise · smith machine

Smith Close-Grip Bench Press

The smith close-grip bench press is a smith machine exercise that targets the triceps, with the chest and shoulders assisting.

Animated demonstration of the smith close-grip bench press
Smith Close-Grip Bench Press — demonstration
Target muscle
Triceps
Also works
Chest, shoulders
Equipment
Smith machine
Body part
Upper arms

How to do the smith close-grip bench press

  1. Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the bench with your feet flat on the ground.
  2. Grasp the barbell with a close grip, slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Lower the barbell towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  4. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the barbell back up to the starting position.
  5. 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 smith machine exercise.

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