Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press
The Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press is a beginner compound movement that activates 3 muscle groups simultaneously. It primarily targets the Triceps, making it one of the more efficient exercises in RepStack's 873-exercise database.
Starting position
Ending position
Muscles Worked
The triceps handles the primary load during this movement. The chest and shoulders assist as stabilizers throughout the range of motion.
How to Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press
- 1
Lie back on a flat bench. Using a close grip (around shoulder width), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked. This will be your starting position.
- 2
As you breathe in, come down slowly until you feel the bar on your middle chest. Tip: Make sure that - as opposed to a regular bench press - you keep the elbows close to the torso at all times in order to maximize triceps involvement.
- 3
After a second pause, bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out and push the bar using your triceps muscles. Lock your arms in the contracted position, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly again. Tip: It should take at least twice as long to go down than to come up.
- 4
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
- 5
When you are done, place the bar back in the rack.
Common Mistakes
- • Brace your core before initiating the movement — maintain tension throughout the entire range of motion.
- • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase for at least 2 seconds to maximize muscle fiber recruitment.
- • Grip the bar evenly on both sides — even a small offset shifts the load asymmetrically.
- • Keep the bar path as vertical as possible over your base of support.
- • Avoid locking out aggressively at the top — stop just short of full extension to keep tension on the muscle.
Similar Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press work?
The Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press primarily works the Triceps. Secondary muscles include the Chest, Shoulders, which assist during the movement.
Is the Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press good for beginners?
Yes, the Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press is suitable for beginners. Start with light weight to master the 5-step form before adding load.
What equipment do I need for the Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press?
You need barbell to perform the Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press. Most commercial gyms will have this available.
Track your estimated one-rep max over time. Use our 1RM calculator to see where you stand, or let RepStack compute it automatically after every set.
Track Your Progress
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