- Primary MuscleChest
- EquipmentBarbell
- • Rapid descent without control
- • Improper bracing / lost tension
- • Inconsistent range of motion
Setup
Lie on bench with eyes under bar. Plant feet flat. Arch upper back, squeeze shoulder blades.
Grip bar slightly wider than shoulder width.
Execution
Unrack bar with straight arms. Lower to lower chest, keeping elbows at 45-75 degrees. Touch chest, pause briefly, then press up and back toward face.

Key Cues
Shoulder blades pinched together throughout
Maintain upper back arch
Bar path: slight diagonal from chest to over shoulders
Leg drive: push feet into floor for stability
Control the descent—2-3 seconds down
Common Mistakes
Flaring elbows to 90 degrees (shoulder stress)
Bouncing bar off chest
Losing back arch and shoulder blade position
Pressing bar straight up instead of back
Feet moving during the lift
READY TO LIFT?
Add the Barbell Bench Press to your next training cycle. The next week can change from what you logged.
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