Barbell Close Grip Bench Press | Adapt to Perform
Exercises Libary

Barbell Close Grip Bench Press

Overview

The Barbell Close Grip Bench Press is a variation of the barbell bench press, a classic and fundamental compound exercise that primarily targets the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It is a popular strength training exercise used to build upper body strength and muscle mass.

Description

Let's get started by setting up the bench press with the appropriate weight. Then lie on the bench with your chest under the bar and grab the barbell with an overhand grip, shoulder width apart. Then lift the bar off the rack.

This is the starting position.

From here, we are going to lower the bar down to the chest whilst keeping your elbows tucked in. Once almost at chest height press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended. This is one repetition, now repeat for the desired amount. Once you’ve done all repetitions put the bar back on the rack.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Benefits

  • Chest and Shoulder Strength: Barbell bench press targets and strengthens the chest and shoulder muscles, promoting upper body strength.
  • Muscle Mass Development: Consistent bench pressing can lead to muscle hypertrophy, aiding in the growth and definition of chest and shoulder muscles.
  • Upper Body Stability: This exercise improves overall upper body stability and coordination, enhancing functional movement and athletic performance.

Area focus

  • Arms
  • Chest
  • Push

Primary muscles

  • Triceps
  • Pectorals

Secondary muscles

Exercise type

Strength