Barbell Close Grip Bench Press
Bench press variation with close grip targeting triceps along with chest and shoulders.
Secondary muscles
How to do it
- Lie on bench and grasp barbell with close grip.
- Unrack and position bar above lower chest.
- Lower bar slowly, elbows close to sides.
- Touch chest briefly, then press bar to starting position.
- Repeat for reps.
Form cues
- Tuck elbows
- Grip just inside shoulder width
- Press through triceps
- Control the descent
Common mistakes
- Gripping too narrow or wide
- Elbows flaring out
- Bouncing bar on chest
Breathing
Exhale pressing up, inhale lowering bar.





