Chest Exercise · Smith Machine

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Smith Wide Grip Bench Press

Category

Chest

Equipment

Smith Machine

Target

Pectorals

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Biomechanical cues verified by the PlanWorkouts Science Review Board under CSCS editorial oversight; see our editorial standards.

Widening the grip on a Smith bench press shortens the range of motion and shifts more emphasis onto the chest and away from the triceps, similar to a wide-grip free bench press. The fixed bar path makes the wider, less stable grip easier to control under heavier loads. It's a solid variation for chest-focused pressing once standard grip width has plateaued.

How to Do the Smith Wide Grip Bench Press

1. Set the bench to a comfortable position on the smith machine.
2. Lie back on the bench with your feet flat on the floor.
3. Take a wide grip on the bar, hands set a little wider than shoulder width.
4. Unrack the bar and lower it slowly toward your chest, letting your elbows flare out to the sides.
5. Pause briefly once the bar touches your chest.
6. Press the bar back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
7. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the pectorals.

Biomechanical & Joint Load Cues

Transverse plane horizontal adduction of the shoulder combined with elbow extension. Peak mechanical stretch occurs when pectorals are fully lengthened at chest level. Scapular retraction is vital for shoulder joint safety.

Common Mechanical Mistakes & Form Errors to Avoid

• Excessive Elbow Flare (90°): Flaring the upper arms directly perpendicular to the torso pinches the supraspinatus tendon against the acromion. Tuck elbows to roughly 45–70 degrees.
• Loss of Scapular Retraction: Allowing shoulder blades to slide forward off the bench shifts mechanical tension off the pectorals onto the delicate anterior deltoids.
• Bouncing Off the Sternum: Using ribcage recoil to bounce the load bypasses the critical bottom turnaround stretch where muscle protein signaling is highest.

Proper Breathing Patterns & Core Engagement

Inhale deeply during the lowering (eccentric) phase while pinning shoulders back. Exhale forcefully through the concentric pressing phase past the friction zone.

Injury Modification & Joint Safety

Lifters with anterior shoulder impingement or AC joint inflammation should restrict elbow flare to 45–60 degrees or substitute with neutral-grip dumbbell presses. If joint irritation persists, immediately stop and substitute this movement with another exercise from the Chest exercises category.

Muscles Worked

The Smith Wide 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 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 And Front Of Shoulder Stretch Body Weight · Pectorals Barbell Bench Press Barbell · Pectorals Behind Head Chest Stretch Assisted · Pectorals Cable Bench Press Cable · Pectorals

FAQ

What muscles does the Smith Wide Grip Bench Press work?

The Smith Wide Grip Bench Press primarily targets the pectorals as the primary agonist. Synergist assistance is provided by the triceps along with the shoulders. Maintaining strict biomechanical alignment ensures maximal tension remains focused on the intended muscle fibers rather than shifting to surrounding stabilizer joints.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Wide Grip Bench Press?

The Smith Wide Grip Bench Press is performed using a smith machine. Ensure all equipment is securely positioned with collars or safety pins locked before loading working sets. If you train in a home gym or minimal setup, explore our equipment-free and resistance band alternatives below.

What is the most common form mistake on the Smith Wide Grip Bench Press?

The most frequent error is excessive elbow flare (90°): Flaring the upper arms directly perpendicular to the torso pinches the supraspinatus tendon against the acromion. Tuck elbows to roughly 45–70 degrees.. Controlling the 2 to 3-second eccentric lowering phase ensures maximal hypertrophic stimulus while shielding connective tissue.

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

For muscle hypertrophy and size, aim for 3 to 4 working sets of 8 to 12 repetitions at 70% to 80% of your 1RM with 90 to 120 seconds rest. For absolute strength development, prioritize 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes rest.

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

If you don't have access to a smith machine, the Chest And Front Of Shoulder Stretch targets the same pectorals using body weight instead. This alternative replicates the same joint angle and movement plane while allowing you to train effectively with different available gear. You can also substitute it seamlessly in our free Workout Plan Builder.