Exercise guide

Barbell Incline Bench Press

The Incline Bench Barbell Press targets the upper chest while also engaging the shoulders and triceps through an angled pressing movement.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Intermediate
Movement
Compound
Bodyweight
No
How to

How to do the Barbell Incline Bench Press

  1. 01

    Set an adjustable bench to an incline angle (about 30–45 degrees).

  2. 02

    Lie back with your eyes under the bar and feet flat on the floor.

  3. 03

    Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width.

  4. 04

    Unrack the bar and position it over your upper chest.

  5. 05

    Lower the bar slowly to your upper chest without bouncing.

  6. 06

    Press the bar upward until your arms are fully extended.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Keep your shoulder blades pulled back and down
  • Lower the bar to the upper chest, not the neck
  • Control the weight on the way down to maintain tension
Equipment

What you need

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the Barbell Incline Bench Press work?

The Barbell Incline Bench Press primarily targets the Triceps. Supporting muscles include Shoulders, Chest.

Is the Barbell Incline Bench Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The Barbell Incline Bench Press is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups and joints in a single movement.

What equipment do I need for the Barbell Incline Bench Press?

You need the following equipment: Barbell.

What difficulty level is the Barbell Incline Bench Press?

The Barbell Incline Bench Press is rated as intermediate difficulty. Some training experience is helpful for performing this exercise safely.

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