Chest exercise · smith machine
Smith Reverse-Grip Press
The smith reverse-grip 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 reverse-grip press
- Adjust the height of the smith machine bar to chest level.
- Stand facing the bar with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Step back and position yourself with a slight bend in your knees.
- Keep your chest up and core engaged throughout the exercise.
- Lower the bar towards your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the bar 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 chest (pectorals). The triceps and shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all chest exercises or every smith machine exercise.
