Smith Machine Incline Bench Press: How-to, Tips & More

The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is a beginner compound exercise for your chest. You do it with smith machine and incline bench. It is a good fit when your goal is both strength and muscle growth.

Besides the chest, it also works your triceps and shoulders, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Chest muscle

Chest

Primary

Triceps muscle

Triceps

Secondary

Shoulders muscle

Shoulders

Secondary

How to do the Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

  1. Set an incline bench under the smith bar so it lines up with your upper chest.
  2. Grip a little wider than shoulder width and unhook the bar.
  3. Lower it to your upper chest.
  4. Press it back up and lock out.

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press tips

  • Set the safety stops just above your chest.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 6 to 12 reps per set, and 6 to 12 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Smith machine, Incline bench

Type

Compound

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press alternatives

More chest exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Smith Machine Incline Bench Press work?

The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press mainly works your chest, with help from your triceps and shoulders.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 6 to 12 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 6 to 12 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Smith Machine Incline Bench Press good for beginners?

Yes. The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Incline Bench Press?

You need smith machine and incline bench.

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press demonstration

Add Smith Machine Incline Bench Press to your program

Bite fills in your weights, tracks your progress and tells you when to go heavier.

Download on the App StoreComing soon