Primary
Chest
Secondary
Triceps, Biceps
Equipment
Barbell
Difficulty
Advanced
Type
Push
See how Reverse-Grip Bench Press could fit a workout
The example below shows one possible placement. Your purchased plan is built from your assessment, and Ely checks every exercise before approving it.
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Reverse-grip bench press flips your hand position so palms face you instead of away. This supinated grip externally rotates your shoulders and shifts the pressing angle to emphasize the upper (clavicular) chest fibers. It is an unusual movement that takes practice but provides a unique stimulus for upper chest development without the incline angle.
When to use it
Use for upper chest emphasis in push workouts or chest-focused sessions.
Who it's for
Advanced lifters wanting upper chest emphasis without incline. Those who find incline pressing uncomfortable on their shoulders. Experienced benchers looking for variety after standard grip variations plateau.
A spotter is mandatory for the unrack. The supinated grip makes it nearly impossible to safely unrack alone. Keep your wrists straight and elbows tucked. Touch low on your chest, not at your collarbones.
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Lie on a flat bench and grip the bar with palms facing you.
Use a shoulder-width or slightly wider grip.
Unrack the bar with a spotter's help.
Lower the bar to your lower chest.
Press back up to full extension.
Keep your elbows close to your body.
This grip emphasizes upper chest more.
Have a spotter help unrack.
Use lighter weight than regular bench.
Takes practice to master.
Use reverse-grip bench as a secondary movement after your main pressing work when you want upper chest emphasis without changing the bench angle. It works well for lifters whose shoulders tolerate the externally rotated position better than flared-elbow pressing. Pair with regular bench or incline for complete chest coverage.
Trying to unrack alone. The supinated grip makes unracking dangerous without a spotter to hand off the bar.
An inconsistent grip during the Reverse-Grip Bench Press can make the load less stable. Set your grip before the rep and keep your wrists aligned with the handle, bar, or forearm position the movement requires.
Gripping too narrow reduces control. Use at least shoulder-width for stability.
An inconsistent grip during the Reverse-Grip Bench Press can make the load less stable. Set your grip before the rep and keep your wrists aligned with the handle, bar, or forearm position the movement requires.
Loading the same weight as regular bench. This variation is awkward and requires lighter loads, especially while learning.
Loading more weight than you can control on the Reverse-Grip Bench Press often creates compensations that shift work away from your Upper chest. Reduce the load until each rep follows the intended path.
Advanced lifters wanting upper chest emphasis without incline. Those who find incline pressing uncomfortable on their shoulders. Experienced benchers looking for variety after standard grip variations plateau.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 8-10 reps. Rest 2min.
This is one example of how Reverse-Grip Bench Press could sit inside a complete workout. Your plan may use different movements after Ely checks your assessment.
Sample workout
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Reverse-Grip Bench Press
The Reverse-Grip Bench Press primarily targets the Upper chest, making it an effective exercise for chest development. Secondary muscles worked during the Reverse-Grip Bench Press include Triceps, Biceps, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core.
The Reverse-Grip Bench Press is rated as advanced difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Advanced lifters wanting upper chest emphasis without incline. Those who find incline pressing uncomfortable on their shoulders. Experienced benchers looking for variety after standard grip variations plateau. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Reverse-Grip Bench Press, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 8-10 reps. Rest 2min. For strength, use 5-8 reps. For muscle growth, perform 8-12 reps. For endurance, complete 12-15 reps.
The Reverse-Grip Bench Press typically requires a barbell, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Reverse-Grip Bench Press include: Incline Barbell Bench Press, Low-to-High Cable Fly. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Reverse-Grip Bench Press and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.