(Primary muscles: upper pectoral muscles, anterior deltoids and triceps)

Set the incline bench at an angle range between 15 and 65 degrees. Lie back on the bench and reach up and take an overgrip on the barbell with your hands set 3-6 inches wider than your shoulders on each side. Lift the weight off of the rack and slowly bend your arms and lower the barbell downward until it touches lightly on your upper chest at the base of your neck. Without bouncing the bar off your chest, slowly reverse the movement and press the bar back up to straight arms\’ length.

Note: Low incline angles bear more stress on the upper chest and anterior deltoid muscles. At a higher angle, more stress is shifted to the anterior deltoids and triceps at the expense of the upper chest.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer in Vancouver. For further information call his office at 604-420-7800.