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Exercise Guide
How to do smit-machine close grip bench press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The Smith machine close-grip bench press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the triceps while also engaging the chest and front shoulders. Using the Smith machine provides a stable, guided path, allowing for better focus on muscle contraction and heavy loading without the need for a spotter. By narrowing the grip, you shift the primary workload to the triceps.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Smith Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps, Chest, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Position: Place a flat bench in a Smith machine. Lie down so the bar is directly above your lower chest.
- Grip: Grasp the bar with an overhand, close grip (about shoulder-width apart).
- Unrack: Unrack the bar by pushing up and rotating your wrists.
The Lift:
- Lower: Inhale and slowly lower the bar to your lower chest. Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body throughout the descent.
- Press: Exhale and forcefully press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended, focusing on contracting your triceps.
- Squeeze: Squeeze your triceps at the top.
- Repeat: Complete your set, then carefully rerack the weight.
Tips:
- The Smith machine provides stability, which can help you focus on isolating the triceps.
- Tucking your elbows is the most important part of the form to target the triceps and protect your shoulders.
- Don't use a grip that is excessively narrow, as it can strain your wrists.
Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows out too wide, gripping the bar too narrowly which strains the wrists, and bouncing the bar off the chest.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable one arm tricep pushdown
Triceps
Cable
cable pushdown(with rope)
Triceps
Cable
cable one arm side triceps pushdown
Triceps
Bench
barbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable bent overhead tricep extension
Triceps
Cable
cable overhead triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable lying triceps extension(low)
Triceps
Cable
cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)
Triceps
Bench
barbell seated overhead triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell seated triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm tricep extension
Triceps
Cable
cable lying triceps extension
Triceps
Bench
barbell lying triceps extension
Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine
machine triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)
Triceps
Decline Bench
ez-barbell decline triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm kickback
Triceps
Bench
dumbbell triceps kickback
Triceps
Dip Bar
weighted triceps dips
TricepsChest+1
None
dips on chair
TricepsChest+1
Barbell
barbell incline close grip bench press
TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None
kneeling triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell lying triceps extension
Triceps
Ez Barbell
ez-barbell incline triceps extension
Triceps
Dumbbell
dumbbell seated triceps extension
Triceps
Cable
cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)
Triceps
Smith Machine
smit-machine close grip bench press
TricepsChest+1
Bench
barbell close grip bench press
TricepsChest+1