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HomeExercisesBarbell Grip Bench Press

Barbell Grip Bench Press

Triceps
Triceps
Intermediate
Compound
4-6Set
4-6Reps
180sRest
2-0-1-0Tempo
Barbell Grip Bench Press
Animation

Description

Barbell Grip Bench Press is a bench press variation that works the triceps muscles. This exercise, performed using a narrow grip, also works the chest and front shoulder muscles in addition to the triceps. It helps increase upper body strength and develop triceps muscle mass. When performed with proper form, it isolates and works the triceps muscles. Suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes. Can be used on triceps-focused days in training programs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Lie supine on the bench and stabilize your feet on the floor

  2. 2

    Grip the barbell with a grip narrower than shoulder width

  3. 3

    Keep your elbows close to your body as you lower the bar toward your chest

  4. 4

    Push the bar up using your triceps muscles

  5. 5

    Keep your wrists straight throughout the movement and don't flare your elbows

  6. 6

    Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps and move in a controlled manner

Key Points

  • ✓Press your back firmly against the bench, pinch your shoulder blades together
  • ✓Hands closer than shoulder width, approximately 20-30 cm apart
  • ✓Keep elbows close to your torso, at a 45-degree angle
  • ✓Lower the bar to the lower portion of your chest
  • ✓Feet should be firmly planted on the floor, use leg drive

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Too narrow grip - creates wrist and elbow stress
  • ✗Flaring elbows outward - risk of shoulder injury
  • ✗Lowering the bar too quickly - leads to loss of control
  • ✗Lifting back off the bench - causes lower back pain
  • ✗Not using full range of motion - limits muscle development

Breathing

Inhale deeply while lowering the bar, exhale forcefully while pushing up. Exhale at the most difficult point of the movement.

Muscle Activation

triceps0%
chest0%
forearms0%
shoulders0%

Safety

Precautions

  • Those with shoulder injuries should be careful with narrow grip
  • If there is wrist pain, adjust grip width
  • Those with history of chest muscle tears should start light
  • If you have elbow tendonitis, you may need to postpone this exercise

Safety Tips

  • Always have a spotter for heavy sets
  • Lower the bar to your chest in a controlled manner, don't bounce it
  • Grip width should be slightly narrower than shoulder width
  • Keep wrists straight, don't allow them to bend backward

Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles does Barbell Grip Bench Press work?

Barbell Grip Bench Press primarily works these muscles: Triceps, Chest. It also engages: Shoulders, Forearms.

Is Barbell Grip Bench Press suitable for beginners?

Barbell Grip Bench Press is a Intermediate level exercise. Learning difficulty: Moderate.

Can Barbell Grip Bench Press be done at home?

Barbell Grip Bench Press usually requires gym equipment, so it can be hard to do at home.

What are common mistakes when doing Barbell Grip Bench Press?

One of the most common mistakes: Too narrow grip - creates wrist and elbow stress

How many sets and reps for Barbell Grip Bench Press?

Recommended: 4-6 sets and 4-6 reps.

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Exercise Information

DifficultyIntermediate
Movement TypeCompound
FocusStrength
Injury RiskMedium
Set4-6
Reps4-6
Rest180 seconds
Tempo2-0-1-0
Spotter RequiredYes
Home / Gym
NoYes
Effectiveness4.7 / 5
Popularity8.2 / 10
Learning DifficultyModerate

Equipment

barbell

Primary Muscles

TricepsChest

Secondary Muscles

ShouldersForearms

Benefits

  • ✓Strengthens triceps and chest muscles together
  • ✓Increases upper body pushing power
  • ✓Improves bench press performance
  • ✓Contributes to total body strength with compound movement

Goals

StrengthMuscle GainPower
Back to All Exercises
Barbell Grip Bench Press
Animation

Description

Barbell Grip Bench Press is a bench press variation that works the triceps muscles. This exercise, performed using a narrow grip, also works the chest and front shoulder muscles in addition to the triceps. It helps increase upper body strength and develop triceps muscle mass. When performed with proper form, it isolates and works the triceps muscles. Suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes. Can be used on triceps-focused days in training programs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Lie supine on the bench and stabilize your feet on the floor

  2. 2

    Grip the barbell with a grip narrower than shoulder width

  3. 3

    Keep your elbows close to your body as you lower the bar toward your chest

  4. 4

    Push the bar up using your triceps muscles

  5. 5

    Keep your wrists straight throughout the movement and don't flare your elbows

  6. 6

    Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps and move in a controlled manner

Key Points

  • ✓Press your back firmly against the bench, pinch your shoulder blades together
  • ✓Hands closer than shoulder width, approximately 20-30 cm apart
  • ✓Keep elbows close to your torso, at a 45-degree angle
  • ✓Lower the bar to the lower portion of your chest
  • ✓Feet should be firmly planted on the floor, use leg drive

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Too narrow grip - creates wrist and elbow stress
  • ✗Flaring elbows outward - risk of shoulder injury
  • ✗Lowering the bar too quickly - leads to loss of control
  • ✗Lifting back off the bench - causes lower back pain
  • ✗Not using full range of motion - limits muscle development

Breathing

Inhale deeply while lowering the bar, exhale forcefully while pushing up. Exhale at the most difficult point of the movement.

Back to All Exercises

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Triceps Exercises
Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension

Dumbbell Standing Triceps Extension

Triceps

Lever Tricep Extension

Lever Tricep Extension

Triceps

Cable One Arm Side Triceps Pushdown

Cable One Arm Side Triceps Pushdown

Triceps

Tricep Dips With Weights

Tricep Dips With Weights

Triceps

Cable Tricep Pushdown V-Bar

Cable Tricep Pushdown V-Bar

Triceps

Triceps Extension Machine

Triceps Extension Machine

Triceps