Smith Machine Incline Bench

This Upper Chest Exercise and Bench Press Variation works the Upper head of the Chest Muscles using a Smith Machine

Welcome to our Smith Machine Incline Bench Exercise Instruction Guide! 

On this page you’ll learn how to do this chest exercise using the correct technique. Below you’ll find pictures, exercise instructions, and tips on how to get the most out of this and other Weight Training Exercises so you can immediately add to your Weight Training Programs and next Chest Workout.

Have you seen our Best Chest Exercises list yet? See if this chest exercise made the cut! 

Exercise Summary

Exercise Description and Instruction:

The Smith Machine Incline Bench is a chest exercise that targets the pectoralis minor as well as the upper head of the pectoralis major, triceps and deltoids. This exercise is done on a smith machine to ensure proper range of motion and can be beneficial to all, but may be preferred by beginners. 

Make sure to view the standard Incline Bench Press, as well as Decline Bench Press and Bench Press Exercise. We typically prefer free weights, and you’ll benefit from switching up your workout routines and hitting your chest from different angles and grips.

To Perform This Exercise:

1. Place an incline bench at a 45 degree angle in the middle of the Smith Machine and align the bench so the bar is above the upper portion of your chest.
2. Grasp the bar with a pronated grip (palms facing forward) with your hands shoulder width apart.
3. Unhook the bar from its supports and hold it with your arms locked and fully extended. This will be your starting position.
4. Inhale and slowly lower the barbell to the middle of your chest.
5. Pause for a brief moment, then exhale and press the bar upwards to the starting position by extending your arms and using your chest muscles. Note: Squeeze your chest in the contracted position.
6. Once back in the starting position with your arms fully extended, pause for a moment then again slowly lower the weight to your middle chest.
7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

1. Use a spotter during this chest exercise if it is new to you or your are using more weight than your are comfortable with. If no spotter is available, be conservative with the amount of weight you choose.
2. Lower the weight in a slow and controlled motion. Do not bounce the weight off your chest.
3. Keep your abs drawn in and your shoulders and back flat on the bench throughout this exercise.

Other Popular Upper Body Exercises:

Check out some of our other popular Arm Exercises and Variations:

• Close Grip Bench Press
• Bent Over Row
• Dumbbell Bench Press
• Chin Ups and Pull Ups
• Triceps Extension

Now that you’ve seen the Smith Machine Incline Bench, which primarily targets your pectorals, check out all of our different Chest Exercises. 

Or, check out these other pages of interest:

• Weight Training Exercises
• Chest Exercises Main Page and Best Chest Exercises List
• Muscle Building Workouts
• Fat Loss Workouts 

You’ve seen the Chest Exercises. Now access the Workout Routines. 
Start at our Home Page.