Chest Exercise · Smith Machine

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Smith Incline Bench Press

Incline pressing in the Smith machine biases the upper chest the same way a free-weight incline does, with the fixed bar path removing the balance demand that usually makes incline pressing feel less stable than flat. It's a solid option for training upper chest without needing a spotter. Bench angle, not the machine, is what determines how much upper-chest bias you actually get — steeper isn't automatically better.

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Category

Chest

Equipment

Smith Machine

Target

Pectorals

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Smith Incline Bench Press

1. Set the bench to a 30 to 45 degree incline.
2. Sit on the bench with your back flat against the pad and feet firmly on the floor.
3. Grip the barbell overhand, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
4. Unrack the barbell and slowly lower it toward your upper chest, keeping your elbows slightly tucked.
5. Hold briefly at the bottom, then press the barbell back up to start, fully extending your arms.
6. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the pectorals.

Technique & Form Tips

Press by straightening the elbows while controlling the movement of the upper arms. Bench presses, push-ups and dips use different support points and shoulder positions; match the setup and range to the demonstrated variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.
• Using the wrong shoulder setup: Follow the specific support and shoulder movement shown. A bench-press setup does not apply unchanged to a push-up or dip.
• Using momentum: Control the descent and ascent to focus on steady movement.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Exhale during the pushing phase and inhale during the return.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Smith Incline Bench Press mainly targets your Pectorals, with your Shoulders helping support the movement, along with your Triceps.

More Chest Exercises

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

More Pectorals Exercises

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

Equipment Alternatives

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

Chest Dip Body Weight · Pectorals Barbell Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Cable Bench Press Cable · Pectorals Deep Push Up Dumbbell · Pectorals

FAQ

What muscles does the Smith Incline Bench Press work?

The Smith Incline Bench Press mainly works your pectorals. It also helps strengthen your shoulders and triceps. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Incline Bench Press?

You do the Smith Incline Bench Press with a smith machine. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Smith Incline Bench Press?

One mistake to watch for is extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Smith Incline Bench Press?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Smith Incline Bench Press?

The Chest Dip trains your pectorals with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.