ChestShouldersTricepsSmith Machinebeginner

Smith Machine Incline Press

The Smith machine incline press combines the upper chest emphasis of an incline bench with the guided bar path of the Smith machine. It allows you to safely push heavy loads on the upper chest without a spotter.

How to Perform

1

Set the bench to 30-45 degrees and position it so the bar tracks over your upper chest.

2

Unrack the bar by twisting the hooks and lower it to your upper chest with control.

3

Press the bar up to full lockout, driving through your palms.

4

Keep your shoulder blades pinched throughout the entire set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Setting the bench angle too steep, turning the exercise into an overhead press.

Not aligning the bar path with your upper chest, which causes awkward wrist angles.

Overloading the bar because the machine feels easier, then losing form on the eccentric.

Muscle Activation

Chest78%
Shoulders40%
Triceps30%

Variations

Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

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Workouts Featuring Smith Machine Incline Press