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.
- Target muscle
- Triceps
- Also works
- Chest, shoulders
- Equipment
- Smith machine
- Body part
- Upper arms
How to do the smith close-grip bench press
- Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the bench with your feet flat on the ground.
- Grasp the barbell with a close grip, slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- Lower the barbell towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the barbell back up to the starting position.
- 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.







