Chest exercise · smith machine
Smith Incline Bench Press
The smith incline bench press is a smith machine exercise that targets the chest (pectorals), with the shoulders and triceps assisting.
- Target muscle
- Pectorals
- Also works
- Shoulders, triceps
- Equipment
- Smith machine
- Body part
- Chest
How to do the smith incline bench press
- Adjust the bench to a 30-45 degree incline.
- Sit on the bench with your back flat against the pad and feet firmly on the ground.
- Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Unrack the barbell and lower it slowly towards your upper chest, keeping your elbows slightly tucked in.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the barbell 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 shoulders and triceps work as secondary muscles. See all chest exercises or every smith machine exercise.
