Illustration of Incline Chest Press (Machine) exercise

Incline Chest Press (Machine)

A chest exercise performed on a machine, emphasizing the upper chest muscles. It allows for controlled movement and reduces the risk of injury compared to free weight variations.

Intermediate
Gym

Muscle Targets Visualizer

Muscle Targeting Visualizer

Full Body
Full Body
chest Muscles

Primary Muscle

Upper chest

Secondary Muscles

Middle chest
Front delts
Triceps

Strength Level Tracker

Weight Unit
Gender
Beg
Nov
Int
Adv
Eli
WC
88
132
176
220
264
330
Enter body weight and lift weight to estimate strength level

Track Your Progress Like a Pro

Incline Chest Press (Machine)

Average of all records in a cycle

74%
216.7 lbs
79%
219 lbs
Est. 1RM (lbs)Current: 219Average: 216.7

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Adjust the Seat

Adjust the seat height so that when you grasp the handles, your arms are slightly extended but not fully locked out. Your back should be firmly supported against the backrest.

  • Ensure comfortable seat height
  • Maintain proper posture

2. Grip the Handles

Grip the handles with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Maintain a firm grip throughout the exercise.

  • Maintain a neutral wrist position
  • Avoid gripping too tightly

3. Lower the Weight

Slowly lower the weight until your elbows are at approximately a 90-degree angle, or slightly beyond. Keep your chest lifted throughout this phase.

  • Controlled movement
  • Focus on a smooth, steady descent

4. Press Upward

Press the weight back up to the starting position by extending your arms. Keep the movement controlled and avoid locking out your elbows.

  • Maintain tension throughout
  • Avoid using momentum

5. Repeat

Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions.

  • Maintain consistent tempo
  • Focus on form

Form Tips

Maintain a Stable Back

Keep your back firmly pressed against the backrest throughout the exercise to maintain stability and prevent injury.

Controlled Movement

Avoid using momentum; focus on controlled movements throughout both the lowering and pressing phases.

Full Range of Motion

Perform the movement through a full range of motion. Extend your arms fully at the top, and lower until you feel a significant stretch in your chest.

Proper Breathing

Exhale during the pressing phase and inhale during the lowering phase.

Common Mistakes

Using excessive weight

Reduce the weight to maintain proper form and avoid injury.

Arching the back

Focus on keeping your back pressed against the backrest.

Incompletely extending arms

Fully extend your arms at the top of the movement to maximize chest activation.

Bouncing the weight

Perform the movement with controlled movements to avoid using momentum.

Poor grip

Maintain a firm, neutral grip on the handles throughout the exercise.

Alternative Exercises

  • Incline Dumbbell Chest Press
  • Incline Barbell Chest Press
  • Incline Smith Machine Chest Press
  • Incline Cable Chest Press

Complementary Exercises

  • Incline Dumbbell Flyes
  • Incline Bench Dips
  • Overhead Press
  • Triceps Pushdowns