Close Grip Press (Band)

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
bands
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A compound pressing exercise with hands close together, emphasizing triceps engagement while recruiting chest and shoulder muscles.

Instructions

  1. Anchor a resistance band at chest height to a fixed point behind you.
  2. Face away from the anchor and hold one end of the band in each hand.
  3. Position your hands close together, about 6-12 inches apart.
  4. Start with the band at chest level with elbows bent.
  5. Press the band forward and slightly downward, extending your arms.
  6. Keep your hands close together throughout the movement.
  7. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining tension on the band.

Tips

  • The close hand position shifts emphasis to the triceps compared to a standard chest press.
  • Maintain an upright posture and brace your core for stability.
  • Breathe out during the pressing phase and breathe in during the return.
  • Adjust resistance by changing your distance from the anchor point.
  • This variation is excellent for triceps development while still engaging the chest.

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
Gain strength 3 7 reps
Build muscle 3 10 reps
Build endurance 3 14 reps

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength
Close-Grip Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Close-Grip Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Learn more about close-grip bench press (smith machine)
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Close-Grip Push-Up Off of a Dumbbell

Close-Grip Push-Up Off of a Dumbbell

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Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher

Decline Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher

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