Close-Grip Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Form Cues

• Lie on a flat bench positioned so the bar path aligns with your mid-chest.

• Grip the bar roughly shoulder-width or slightly narrower.

• Retract your shoulder blades and maintain a slight back arch.

• Lower the bar with control to your mid-to-lower chest.

• Keep elbows tucked close to your body at about 30-45 degrees.

• Press the bar up until arms are fully locked out.

• Focus on feeling the triceps drive the lockout.

• Inhale on the descent, exhale forcefully during the press.