Smith Machine Reverse Close Grip Bench Press

Exercise Info

LevelIntermediate
Muscle GroupTriceps
Secondary MuscleChest, Shoulders
Exercise TypeStrength
Equipment RequiredMachine
Force TypePush
rating3

Tips

  1. Its easy for the triceps to get complacent in the close grip bench press. Its important that you focus on slow rep timing and feel the triceps stretch and contract during the set. Its this mind-muscle connection that can make the difference between your triceps doing the majority of the work and your chest/shoulders doing the work.
  2. Keep your elbows tucked in at your sides. Dont let them flare as you raise the weight.
  3. And finally, you need to keep the tension on your triceps during the entire set so dont lock your elbows out at the top of the movement.  

Instructions

  1. Set up for the reverse smith machine close grip bench press by placing a flat bench in the smith machine, lowering the bar and adding the weight you want to use to the bar.
  2. Lay back on the bench an grasp the bar with an underhand grip (palms facing your head) at around 6-12 inches apart.
  3. Take the weight off the rack by twisting the bar.
  4. Keeping your elbows tucked in at your sides, slowly lower the weight focusing on your triceps as the prime movers.
  5. Lower the weight until it almost touches your chest, and then slowly raise up, pushing the weight with your triceps.
  6. Do not lock your elbows out at the top of the exercise, and then repeat.