Chest · Barbell

Pause Barbell Incline Bench Press

Kill the bounce and build raw upper-chest power.

Pause Barbell Incline Bench Press exercise demonstration
ChestSecondary: Shoulders, TricepsBarbell

How to do it

  1. Set the bench to about 30 degrees and grip the bar just wider than shoulders.
  2. Unrack and pull your shoulder blades back.
  3. Lower the bar to your upper chest and pause dead still for a beat.
  4. Drive the bar back up until your arms lock out.

The one cue that matters

A full pause means no bounce. Stay tight on the chest before you press.

Muscles worked

The Pause Barbell Incline Bench Press is a Chest-first movement, with Shoulders, Triceps working as the supporting cast. Track it consistently and you'll see exactly how it feeds your chest volume for the week.

FAQ

What muscles does the Pause Barbell Incline Bench Press work?

The Pause Barbell Incline Bench Press primarily works the Chest with Shoulders, Triceps assisting.

How heavy should I go?

Pick a weight where you finish each set with 1 to 2 clean reps left in the tank. Own the top of your rep range before adding weight.

How many sets and reps of Pause Barbell Incline Bench Press?

For most lifters 3 to 4 working sets. Pick the rep range that fits your goal and progress the load when the top of the range feels owned.

Related exercises

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