Chest Press Incline (Machine)

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Chest Press Incline (Machine)Chest Press Incline (Machine)

A pressing movement on an inclined machine that emphasizes the upper chest while engaging the front shoulders and triceps.

Instructions

  1. Sit in the machine with your back firmly against the incline pad and feet flat on the floor or footrest.
  2. Grasp the handles with a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width, keeping your elbows bent.
  3. Position your hands at approximately upper chest height.
  4. Push the handles forward and slightly upward, extending your arms fully while maintaining a slight bend in the elbows.
  5. Pause briefly at full extension, feeling your chest muscles engage.
  6. Slowly return the handles toward your chest by controlling the weight back to the starting position.
  7. 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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