All Exercises

Barbell Incline Reverse grip Press

Perform the Barbell Incline Reverse Grip Press to build a powerful upper chest and strong front deltoids.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
2 min per set2 min rest

Description

An exercise that targets the upper chest and front deltoids, performed using a barbell with a reverse grip while reclining on an inclined bench.

How to Do Barbell Incline Reverse grip Press

  1. 1
    Setup

    Lie back on an incline bench set to a 30-45 degree angle, ensuring your feet are flat on the floor for stability.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Grip the barbell with a supinated (reverse) grip, slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart, ensuring your palms face your head. Unrack the bar and hold it directly above your upper chest with arms fully extended.

  3. 3

    Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell in a controlled manner towards your upper chest, keeping your elbows tucked close to your body throughout the descent.

  4. 4

    Exhale as you powerfully press the barbell straight up, extending your arms fully but without locking your elbows. Focus on contracting your upper chest and front deltoids.

  5. 5

    Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining a controlled tempo and consistent form throughout each rep.

Tips

  • Keep your elbows tucked close to your body during the movement to maximize upper chest and front deltoid activation and reduce shoulder strain.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the lift, taking 2-3 seconds to descend, as this enhances muscle growth and stability.
  • Maintain neutral wrists, keeping them straight and aligned with your forearms to prevent injury and efficiently transfer force.
  • Focus on the mind-muscle connection, actively squeezing your upper chest and front deltoids at the top of the press.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Flaring your elbows out wide can put undue stress on the shoulder joints; instead, keep your elbows tucked close to your sides.
  • ×Using too wide of a reverse grip can shift tension away from the upper chest and lead to wrist discomfort; ensure your grip is slightly narrower than shoulder-width.
  • ×Bouncing the barbell off your chest reduces muscle tension and increases the risk of injury; maintain a controlled descent and ascent without using momentum.

Variations

Related Exercises

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