Plate-loaded power for the upper chest.
Let the handles travel naturally. The machine path does the balancing for you.
The incline path presses up and forward, angling the load into the upper chest fibres that flat pressing undertrains, while the machine's fixed arc removes the balancing act so every rep of effort goes into pushing. The shoulders and triceps assist through the press, and because nothing needs stabilising, this is one of the safest places in the gym to take upper-chest work close to failure. It earns its place as a heavy upper chest builder you can load hard without a spotter.
For building the upper chest, absolutely. The machine trades the stabiliser work of free weights for the ability to push closer to failure safely and load heavier. Many lifters run both, free weights first, then the machine to finish the chest off.
So the handles line up with your upper chest at the start. Too high and your shoulders take over the press, too low and the path drifts toward a flat press. Take a light set to check before loading up.
Usually the shoulder blades are loose. Pull them down and back into the pad before the first rep and keep them pinned, pressing with the chest proud. If it persists, drop the seat slightly so the handles start lower on your chest.
