Exercise 1258 · REF 945zpRg
Flipping to a reverse, underhand grip on a wide bench press changes the elbow path enough to hit the upper chest differently than a standard grip does, similar to what a low-to-high cable fly accomplishes. It's an old-school variation that's fallen out of favor mostly because the wrist and shoulder positioning takes some getting used to. Start light until the bar path feels natural — this isn't a lift to load heavy on day one.
How to Do the Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press
- Lie flat on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and your back pressed against the bench.
- Grasp the barbell with a wide reverse grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Lift the barbell off the rack and hold it directly above your chest with your arms fully extended.
- Lower the barbell slowly towards your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in and your wrists straight.
- Pause for a moment when the barbell touches your chest, then push it back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
The Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press primarily targets the Pectorals, with Triceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders.
More Chest Exercises
Archer Push Up
Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling)
Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball
Assisted Wide-Grip Chest Dip (kneeling)
Band Bench Press
Band One Arm Twisting Chest Press
More Pectorals Exercises
Barbell Bench Press
Barbell Decline Bench Press
Barbell Decline Pullover
Barbell Decline Wide-Grip Press
Barbell Front Raise And Pullover
Barbell Guillotine Bench Press
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have barbell? These target the same pectorals with different equipment.
Archer Push Up
Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling)
Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball
Band Bench Press
FAQ
- What muscles does the Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press work?
- The Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press primarily targets the pectorals, with the triceps and shoulders assisting.
- What equipment do I need for the Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press?
- The Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press is done with a barbell.
- What's a good alternative to the Barbell Wide Reverse Grip Bench Press?
- If you don't have access to a barbell, the Archer Push Up targets the same pectorals using body weight instead.