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StrengthintermediateBarbell

Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press

Primary
Chest
Secondary
Shoulders, Triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate

Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press demonstration

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

How to Perform

  1. 1Lie back on a flat bench with feet firm on the floor. Using a wide, pronated (palms forward) grip that is around 3 inches away from shoulder width (for each hand), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked. The bar will be perpendicular to the torso and the floor. This will be your starting position.
  2. 2As you breathe in, come down slowly until you feel the bar on your middle chest.
  3. 3After a second pause, bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out and push the bar using your chest muscles. Lock your arms and squeeze your chest 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.

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
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
ChestShouldersTriceps

Exercise Details

Category
Strength
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press work?

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

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

Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press requires Barbell.

Is Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press suitable for beginners?

Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press is classified as intermediate level. Beginners should master foundational movements first.

Alternatives to Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press

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