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Bench Press Vs. Incline: The Hidden Secret To Unlocking Your True Upper Body Power

Steven is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. He launched Steven Fitspot in 2024 to share his love of health and wellness with others. On his blog, Steven provides useful workouts, nutrition tips, and motivational advice to help his readers stay active and achieve their...

What To Know

  • The iso lateral incline press is a variation of the traditional bench press that is performed on an incline bench.
  • The iso lateral aspect of the exercise refers to the fact that each arm is pressed independently, which allows for a more isolated movement.
  • The bench press is a compound exercise that is performed on a flat bench.

When it comes to building upper body strength, two of the most popular exercises are the iso lateral incline press and the bench press. Both exercises target the chest muscles, but they do so in slightly different ways. In this blog post, we’ll compare the iso lateral incline press vs. bench press, so you can decide which exercise is right for you.

What is the Iso Lateral Incline Press?

The iso lateral incline press is a variation of the traditional bench press that is performed on an incline bench. This means that the bench is angled upwards, which places more emphasis on the upper chest muscles. The iso lateral aspect of the exercise refers to the fact that each arm is pressed independently, which allows for a more isolated movement.

What is the Bench Press?

The bench press is a compound exercise that is performed on a flat bench. This means that the bench is parallel to the ground, which targets the chest muscles evenly. The bench press is a popular exercise for building overall chest strength and mass.

Iso Lateral Incline Press vs. Bench Press: Which Exercise is Better?

So, which exercise is better for you? The iso lateral incline press vs. bench press debate is a matter of personal preference. Both exercises have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Iso Lateral Incline Press

  • Advantages:
  • Targets the upper chest muscles more effectively
  • Isolates each arm, which allows for a more focused movement
  • Can help to improve shoulder stability
  • Disadvantages:
  • May be more difficult to perform than the bench press
  • Can put more stress on the shoulders

Bench Press

  • Advantages:
  • Targets the chest muscles evenly
  • Is a compound exercise, which means that it works multiple muscle groups at once
  • Can help to build overall chest strength and mass
  • Disadvantages:
  • May not be as effective for targeting the upper chest muscles
  • Can be more difficult to perform with proper form

Which Exercise Should You Choose?

The best exercise for you will depend on your individual goals and abilities. If you’re looking to build overall chest strength and mass, the bench press is a great option. However, if you’re looking to target the upper chest muscles more effectively, the iso lateral incline press may be a better choice.

How to Perform the Iso Lateral Incline Press

1. Sit on an incline bench with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and rest them on your thighs.
3. Press the dumbbells up until they are at shoulder height.
4. Slowly lower the dumbbells back down to your thighs.
5. Repeat for 8-12 repetitions.

How to Perform the Bench Press

1. Lie on a flat bench with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Grip the barbell with your hands shoulder-width apart.
3. Lower the barbell to your chest.
4. Press the barbell back up to the starting position.
5. Repeat for 8-12 repetitions.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Workout

  • Use a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain good form.
  • Focus on contracting your chest muscles throughout the movement.
  • Don’t arch your back or flare your elbows.
  • Breathe deeply throughout the exercise.
  • Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets.

Recommendations

The iso lateral incline press and the bench press are both excellent exercises for building chest strength and mass. The best exercise for you will depend on your individual goals and abilities. If you’re not sure which exercise is right for you, talk to a personal trainer.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which exercise is better for building overall chest strength and mass?
A: The bench press is a better choice for building overall chest strength and mass.

Q: Which exercise is better for targeting the upper chest muscles?
A: The iso lateral incline press is a better choice for targeting the upper chest muscles.

Q: How often should I perform the iso lateral incline press and the bench press?
A: You can perform the iso lateral incline press and the bench press 2-3 times per week.

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Steven

Steven is a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast based in Los Angeles. He launched Steven Fitspot in 2024 to share his love of health and wellness with others. On his blog, Steven provides useful workouts, nutrition tips, and motivational advice to help his readers stay active and achieve their fitness goals. With 10 years of experience in the industry, he has trained clients of all ages and abilities. When not coaching others or writing new blog content, Steven enjoys pushing his own limits with powerlifting and functional training. He believes a strong body leads to an unstoppable mind.
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