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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:

  1. Position: Place a flat bench in a Smith machine. Lie down so the bar is directly above your lower chest.
  2. Grip: Grasp the bar with an overhand, close grip (about shoulder-width apart).
  3. Unrack: Unrack the bar by pushing up and rotating your wrists.

The Lift:

  1. Lower: Inhale and slowly lower the bar to your lower chest. Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body throughout the descent.
  2. Press: Exhale and forcefully press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended, focusing on contracting your triceps.
  3. Squeeze: Squeeze your triceps at the top.
  4. 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

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dumbbell incline triceps extension

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Cable

cable one arm tricep pushdown

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Cable

cable pushdown(with rope)

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Cable

cable one arm side triceps pushdown

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barbell incline triceps extension

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Cable

cable bent overhead tricep extension

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cable overhead triceps extension

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Dumbbell

dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension

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Cable

cable lying triceps extension(low)

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Cable

cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

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Bench

barbell seated overhead triceps extension

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Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

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Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm tricep extension

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Cable

cable lying triceps extension

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Bench

barbell lying triceps extension

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Triceps Extension Machine

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Cable

cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

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Decline Bench

ez-barbell decline triceps extension

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Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm kickback

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Bench

dumbbell triceps kickback

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Dip Bar

weighted triceps dips

TricepsChest+1
None

dips on chair

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Barbell

barbell incline close grip bench press

TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None

kneeling triceps extension

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Dumbbell

dumbbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell incline triceps extension

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Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

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Cable

cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)

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Smith Machine

smit-machine close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1
Bench

barbell close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1