Smith Machine Incline Press
An incline bench press on a Smith machine that targets the upper chest with a stable, guided bar path.
Primary muscles
- Chest (Pectoralis Major)
Secondary muscles
- Front Delts
- Triceps
- Sets
- 3–4
- Reps
- 8–12
- Rest
- 60–120s
How to perform
Main muscles working (thicker lines)
Starting position
Set an incline bench to 30–45 degrees under the Smith bar so the bar tracks to your upper chest, then lie back and grip just outside shoulder width.
Unhook the bar and hold it at arm's length.
Lower the bar to the upper chest under control.
Press back up to full extension.
Re-hook the bar after the final rep.
Breathing: Inhale as you lower, exhale as you press.
Coaching tips
Bar to the upper chest
Keep the shoulders down
Steady tempo
Common mistakes
Bench placed too far forward or back
Bench angle too steep
Half reps
Safety notes
Set the safety stops just above the chest at the bottom position.
This information is general fitness guidance, not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and consult a qualified professional.