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§ L · Exercises · ChestUpdated 2/2026

Incline Barbell Press

Builds the upper chest, front delts and triceps. Getting stronger here carries over well to other pressing movements.

Muscle group
Chest
Equipment
Barbell
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Moderate technique

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Chest
Supporting muscles
TricepsShoulders

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Adjust the bench to a 30–45 degree incline.

  2. 02

    Lie on the bench with your feet firmly on the floor.

  3. 03

    Lower the bar under control to your upper chest.

  4. 04

    Press the bar up.

  5. 05

    Keep your shoulder blades together.

Beginner's guide

§ 03 · Guide
What it works

Builds the upper chest, front delts and triceps. Getting stronger here carries over well to other pressing movements.

What it should feel like

You should feel it mainly in your upper chest, with some work in the front delts, not mostly in your lower back or just your arms.

Most common mistake

A common mistake is setting the bench too steep, making it too shoulder dominant. Keep it at 30 to 45 degrees and your shoulder blades pulled together.

How to get started at the gym

§ 04 · SisuLift

Incline Barbell Press is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 05 · Tips

Don't set the bench too steeply, max 45 degrees.

Targets the upper chest more effectively than the flat bench press.

More exercises: Chest

§ 06 · Same muscles

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