Incline Bench Press Vs. Close Grip: The Battle Of The Bench

When it comes to building a strong and muscular chest, two popular exercises that often come to mind are the incline bench press and the close grip bench press. Both exercises target the chest muscles, but they do so in slightly different ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between the incline bench press and the close grip bench press, and discuss which exercise is right for you based on your fitness goals.

Incline Bench Press

The incline bench press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the upper chest muscles. It involves lying on an incline bench with your feet planted firmly on the floor. You then lower a barbell to your chest and press it back up to the starting position.

Benefits of the Incline Bench Press:

• Effectively targets the upper chest muscles
• Helps to develop shoulder strength
• Can improve posture
• Can help to build overall muscle mass

Close Grip Bench Press

The close grip bench press is another compound exercise that targets the chest muscles, but with a slightly different focus. It involves lying on a flat bench with your hands placed close together on the barbell. You then lower the barbell to your chest and press it back up to the starting position.

Benefits of the Close Grip Bench Press:

• Primarily targets the inner chest muscles
• Can help to improve triceps strength
• Can help to build overall muscle mass
• Can help to improve shoulder stability

Incline Bench Press vs. Close Grip: Which Exercise Is Right for You?

The best exercise for you will depend on your individual fitness goals. If you’re looking to build strength and muscle in your upper chest, the incline bench press is a great choice. If you’re looking to target your inner chest muscles and improve your triceps strength, the close grip bench press is a better option.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to your fitness goals, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing between the incline bench press and the close grip bench press:

• Strength: The incline bench press is generally considered to be a more challenging exercise than the close grip bench press. If you’re new to weightlifting, you may want to start with the close grip bench press and gradually progress to the incline bench press as you get stronger.
• Body type: The incline bench press is a better choice for people with longer arms. If you have shorter arms, the close grip bench press may be a more comfortable and effective exercise.
• Injuries: If you have any shoulder or elbow injuries, you should talk to your doctor or a physical therapist before performing either of these exercises.

Safety Tips

When performing either the incline bench press or the close grip bench press, it’s important to follow these safety tips:

• Always warm up before lifting weights.
• Use a spotter when lifting heavy weights.
• Lower the weight slowly and controlled.
• Don’t arch your back or flare your elbows.
• Stop if you feel any pain.

Final Note

Both the incline bench press and the close grip bench press are effective exercises for building a strong and muscular chest. The best exercise for you will depend on your individual fitness goals, strength level, body type, and any injuries you may have. If you’re not sure which exercise is right for you, talk to a qualified personal trainer.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which exercise is better for building overall chest mass?
A: The incline bench press is generally considered to be better for building overall chest mass because it targets a larger range of chest muscles.

Q: Which exercise is better for targeting the inner chest muscles?
A: The close grip bench press is better for targeting the inner chest muscles because the narrower grip places more emphasis on the inner chest.

Q: Can I do both the incline bench press and the close grip bench press in the same workout?
A: Yes, you can do both exercises in the same workout. However, it’s important to listen to your body and stop if you start to feel any pain.