Chest Press Incline (Machine)
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
chest press machine Category
strength Primary Muscles

A pressing movement on an inclined machine that emphasizes the upper chest while engaging the front shoulders and triceps.
Instructions
- Sit in the machine with your back firmly against the incline pad and feet flat on the floor or footrest.
- Grasp the handles with a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width, keeping your elbows bent.
- Position your hands at approximately upper chest height.
- Push the handles forward and slightly upward, extending your arms fully while maintaining a slight bend in the elbows.
- Pause briefly at full extension, feeling your chest muscles engage.
- Slowly return the handles toward your chest by controlling the weight back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and pressed back against the incline pad.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement; avoid shifting your torso.
- Focus on pressing with your chest muscles rather than using arm strength.
- The incline position emphasizes the upper chest and front shoulders more than a flat press.
- Control both the pressing and lowering phases for maximum effectiveness.
- Avoid fully locking out your elbows at the top of the movement.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 17 kg | 9 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 15 kg | 8 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 11 kg | 6 kg |
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