Incline Chest Press Machine

Technique

The incline chest press machine is a seated press where the handles travel upward and forward at an angle, similar to an incline bench press. The fixed path removes the need to balance the weight, so you can push close to failure safely and focus on the upper chest and front delts.

Steps

1. Adjust the seat so the handles start level with your upper chest
2. Sit with your back flat against the pad, feet planted and shoulder blades pulled back
3. Press the handles up and forward until your arms are almost straight
4. Lower slowly until you feel a stretch across the chest, without letting the weight stack touch

Common mistakes

• Setting the seat so low that the handles start at neck height
• Lifting the shoulders and back off the pad during the press

Variations

• Single-arm incline machine press
• Incline Smith machine press

FAQ