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Exercise Technique · 5 min read

Bench press technique

Set up tight, touch consistently, press strong.

Setup

  • Eyes under the bar
  • Squeeze shoulder blades back and down — keep them there
  • Slight arch, butt on the bench, feet planted firmly
  • Grip so forearms are vertical at the bottom

The descent

Un-rack with straight arms, then lower under control to your lower chest/sternum. Elbows sit roughly 45–70° from your body — not flared straight out.

The press

Drive your feet into the floor, press the bar back toward your face slightly as it rises, and lock out over your shoulders.

Safety

  • Always use a spotter or safety pins for heavy sets
  • Never use a thumbless grip
  • Don't bounce the bar off your chest

Key takeaways

  • Shoulder blades back and down.
  • Forearms vertical at the bottom.
  • Use leg drive — keep your butt down.
  • Spotters or safeties every heavy set.

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General education only — not medical advice.