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Smith Machine Decline Press

Smith Machine Decline 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
Smith Machine Decline Press: starting position
Starting position
Smith Machine Decline Press: end position
End position

How to do the smith machine decline press

  1. Position a decline bench in the rack so that the bar will be above your chest. Load an appropriate weight and take your place on the bench.
  2. Rotate the bar to unhook it from the rack and fully extend your arms. Your back should be slightly arched and your shoulder blades retracted. This will be your starting position.
  3. Begin the movement by flexing your arms, lowering the bar to your chest.
  4. Pause briefly, and then extend your arms to push the weight back to the starting position.
  5. After completing the desired number of repetitions, rotate the bar to rack the weight.

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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Smith Machine Decline 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 smith machine decline press work?

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

How many sets and reps of smith machine decline 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 smith machine decline press good for beginners?

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

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