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Exercise Guide
How to do machine high incline hammer chest press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The machine high incline hammer chest press specifically targets the upper portion of the pectoral muscles and the anterior deltoids. The high incline angle shifts the focus upward, helping to build a full, well-developed chest. Using a machine provides a fixed path of motion, allowing you to safely push heavy loads with controlled form, making it an ideal choice for hypertrophy and strength gains.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
High Incline Chest Press Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Machine Adjustment: Adjust the incline angle to approximately 60-75 degrees (a higher incline than the standard incline press).
- Seat Adjustment: Position the seat so that the handles are roughly aligned with your upper chest to shoulders when your arms are extended.
- Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Body Position: Sit back against the pad with your head resting comfortably. Keep your core engaged and feet planted firmly.
The Lift:
- Press Forward: Exhale and smoothly press the handles forward and slightly up, extending your arms until they are almost straight, but avoid locking out your elbows.
- Squeeze: Contract your upper chest muscles at the peak of the movement.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as you bring it back towards your chest.
Tips:
- Focus on the Upper Chest: Keep your attention on the contraction in your upper chest muscles.
- Shoulder Blades: Retract your shoulder blades and keep them pinned together throughout the movement.
- Control the Movement: Avoid using momentum or bouncing the weight. Perform the exercise with a slow and controlled tempo in both the pressing and returning phases.
Common mistakes: Letting the elbows flare out excessively and lifting the lower back off the backrest.
Alternatives
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Seated Fly Machine
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Bench
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Crossover Cable
cable incline fly
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Cable
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Barbell
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Chest Press Machine
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Incline Chest Press Machine
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Barbell
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Crossover Cable
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Dumbbell
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Crossover Cable
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High Incline Chest Press Machine
machine high incline hammer chest press
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Barbell
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None
clap push up
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Bench
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Bench Press
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Bench
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dips between chair
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Resistance Band
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Seated Dip Machine
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None
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Barbell
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Dip Bar
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Bench
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None
push up
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Bench
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Bench
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Dumbbell
push-up row
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Cable
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Decline Chest Press Machine
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Cable
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Barbell
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Bench
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Smith Machine
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Smith Machine
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None
diamond push up
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None
incline push-up
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None
floor triceps dips
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Resistance Band
assisted chest dip
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Decline Bench
barbell decline bench press
ChestFront Shoulder+2
None
burpee
ChestTriceps+7