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Machine Bench Press

Machine Bench Press is a beginner compound machine exercise that mainly works your chest, with help from your shoulders and triceps.

💪 Chest🏋️ Machine📈 Beginner🔗 Compound🎯 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps
Machine Bench Press: starting position
Starting position
Machine Bench Press: end position
End position

How to do the machine bench press

  1. Sit down on the Chest Press Machine and select the weight.
  2. Step on the lever provided by the machine since it will help you to bring the handles forward so that you can grab the handles and fully extend the arms.
  3. Grab the handles with a palms-down grip and lift your elbows so that your upper arms are parallel to the floor to the sides of your torso. Tip: Your forearms will be pointing forward since you are grabbing the handles. Once you bring the handles forward and extend the arms you will be at the starting position.
  4. Now bring the handles back towards you as you breathe in.
  5. Push the handles away from you as you flex your pecs and you breathe out. Hold the contraction for a second before going back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of reps.
  7. When finished step on the lever again and slowly get the handles back to their original place.

Muscles worked

Primary: ChestSecondary: ShouldersSecondary: Triceps

Sets and reps

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

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Machine Bench Press alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Bench PressBarbell · BeginnerChest PressMachine · BeginnerPush UpBodyweight · BeginnerDumbbell Bench PressDumbbell · BeginnerCable Chest PressCable · BeginnerSvend PressOther · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the machine bench press work?

It mainly works your chest; your shoulders and triceps assist.

How many sets and reps of machine bench press should I do?

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

Is the machine bench press good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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