PlanWorkouts

Exercise 0748 · REF trqKQv2

Smith Bench Press exercise animation

Smith Bench Press

Category
Chest
Equipment
Smith Machine
Target
Pectorals

The Smith machine locks the bar into a vertical track, which removes the need to stabilize the bar path and lets you focus purely on pressing force — useful for isolating the chest once stabilizer strength isn't the limiting factor anymore. It's a common substitute when training alone without a spotter, since the bar can be racked at any point in the range. The trade-off is that a fixed path doesn't match everyone's natural pressing arc, which is worth testing before loading it heavy.

How to Do the Smith Bench Press

  1. Adjust the height of the smith machine bar to chest level.
  2. Lie flat on the bench with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
  3. Grip the bar with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Unrack the bar and lower it towards your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in.
  5. Pause for a moment when the bar touches your chest.
  6. Push the bar back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Smith Bench Press primarily targets the Pectorals, with Triceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders.

More Chest Exercises

Archer Push Up Archer Push Up Body Weight · Pectorals Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling) Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Pectorals Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball Assisted · Pectorals Assisted Wide-Grip Chest Dip (kneeling) Assisted Wide-Grip Chest Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Pectorals Band Bench Press Band Bench Press Band · Pectorals Band One Arm Twisting Chest Press Band One Arm Twisting Chest Press Band · Pectorals

More Pectorals Exercises

Barbell Bench Press Barbell Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Decline Bench Press Barbell Decline Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Decline Pullover Barbell Decline Pullover Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Decline Wide-Grip Press Barbell Decline Wide-Grip Press Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Front Raise And Pullover Barbell Front Raise And Pullover Barbell · Pectorals Barbell Guillotine Bench Press Barbell Guillotine Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have smith machine? These target the same pectorals with different equipment.

Archer Push Up Archer Push Up Body Weight · Pectorals Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling) Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Pectorals Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball Assisted Seated Pectoralis Major Stretch With Stability Ball Assisted · Pectorals Band Bench Press Band Bench Press Band · Pectorals

FAQ

What muscles does the Smith Bench Press work?
The Smith Bench Press primarily targets the pectorals, with the triceps and shoulders assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Smith Bench Press?
The Smith Bench Press is done with a smith machine.
What's a good alternative to the Smith Bench Press?
If you don't have access to a smith machine, the Archer Push Up targets the same pectorals using body weight instead.