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StrengthbeginnerBarbell

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press

Primary
Triceps
Secondary
Chest, Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
beginner

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press demonstration

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press, starting position
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press, starting position
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press, finishing position
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Lie back on a flat bench. Using a close grip (around shoulder width), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked. This will be your starting position.
  2. 2As you breathe in, come down slowly until you feel the bar on your middle chest. Tip: Make sure that - as opposed to a regular bench press - you keep the elbows close to the torso at all times in order to maximize triceps involvement.
  3. 3After a second pause, bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out and push the bar using your triceps muscles. Lock your arms in the contracted position, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly again. Tip: It should take at least twice as long to go down than to come up.
  4. 4Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
  5. 5When you are done, place the bar back in the rack.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •This is a great exercise for beginners - focus on form over reps
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
TricepsChestShoulders

Exercise Details

Category
Strength
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Level
beginner

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press work?

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press primarily targets the Triceps. It also works the Chest, Shoulders as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press?

Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press requires Barbell.

Is Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press suitable for beginners?

Yes, Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press is suitable for beginners. It's classified as a beginner-level exercise.

Alternatives to Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.