Close-Grip Bench Press

Close-Grip Bench Press trains the chest, triceps, and front shoulders through a horizontal pressing path with the torso supported.

Primary muscle

Triceps

Primary musclesTriceps brachii

Secondary musclesPectoralis major, Anterior deltoids

Equipment

Barbell

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How to perform Close-Grip Bench Press

Follow the sequence in order, paying attention to the starting position, movement path, and finish described in each step.

For Close-Grip Bench Press, lie with the head and upper back supported, plant the feet, and take a shoulder-width grip on the bar with wrists above the elbows; keep the shoulder blades controlled.
Brace the trunk. Keep the feet planted, trunk braced, and shoulder blades controlled before beginning the repetition.
Lower the bar toward the chest while the elbows travel at a comfortable angle from the torso.
Stop at the deepest position that keeps the shoulders supported and the forearms aligned with the resistance.
Press away to extend the arms without losing the body line or forcefully locking the elbows.

Common Close-Grip Bench Press mistakes

Wrists folding backward

Stack each wrist above the forearm and keep the handle or weight centred over the heel of the hand.

Elbows flaring straight out

Use a comfortable diagonal elbow angle that keeps the forearms aligned with the resistance.

Losing trunk support

Keep the head and upper back supported, feet planted, and ribs controlled instead of arching to finish a repetition.

Forcing the bottom range

Stop before the shoulders roll forward or drop below the depth you can control.

When to modify or choose another exercise

Wrists folding backward: Stack each wrist above the forearm and keep the handle or weight centred over the heel of the hand.
Losing trunk support: Keep the head and upper back supported, feet planted, and ribs controlled instead of arching to finish a repetition.
Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
Alternative Close-Grip Dumbbell Floor Press: Use dumbbells and the floor as a clear lower stop while learning the narrow-elbow press.

How to use Close-Grip Bench Press in a training program

Where it fits in a session

Use Close-Grip Bench Press early in a workout focused on triceps, or early in a full-body workout, when strength or technical progress is the priority; place it later when it supplies secondary volume.

How often to use it

Use one to three times per week as part of training the relevant muscle groups at least twice weekly; the same exercise does not need to appear in every session.

Starting rep ranges by goal

Goal	Sets	Reps or time	Rest	Effort and execution
Strength	2–4	3–6	2–4 min	Heavy, usually 2–3 clean reps in reserve
Muscle growth	2–4	6–12	90–180 sec	Usually 1–3 clean reps in reserve

Pairing and sequencing

Pair Close-Grip Bench Press with Barbell Bent Over Rows or Standing Face Pull for complementary pulling work.
Keep the second exercise light enough that it does not reduce pressing stability or shoulder position.

Scale the movement