Exercise 95

Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

Pressing exercise that works the chest, triceps, and shoulders while keeping the load stable between the lowering phase and arm extension.

Athletic Station visual preview for Smith Machine Flat Bench Press
Visual preview • Athletic Station

How to perform it

  1. Lie on a flat bench positioned in the Smith machine with your feet supported on the floor and the bar aligned over the center of your chest.
  2. Keep your abs engaged, shoulder blades slightly retracted, and wrists aligned throughout the movement.
  3. Grip the bar comfortably, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Lower the bar toward your chest with control.
  5. Keep your elbows on a stable path and avoid excessively flaring your arms to the sides.
  6. Lower through a comfortable and safe range while respecting shoulder and wrist alignment.
  7. Press the bar upward until your arms are extended without forcefully locking your elbows at the top.
  8. Exhale as you press up and inhale as you lower.

What you should feel

Work in the chest, front deltoids, and triceps, with the effort well distributed across the upper body. The movement should remain controlled through the chest, shoulders, and arms, without pain in the shoulders, wrists, elbows, or lower back.

Groups mentioned in the description

Exercise questions

How do you perform Smith Machine Flat Bench Press?

Lie on a flat bench positioned in the Smith machine with your feet supported on the floor and the bar aligned over the center of your chest. Keep your abs engaged, shoulder blades slightly retracted, and wrists aligned throughout the movement. Grip the bar comfortably, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower the bar toward your chest with control. Keep your elbows on a stable path and avoid excessively flaring your arms to the sides. Lower through a comfortable and safe range while respecting shoulder and wrist alignment. Press the bar upward until your arms are extended without forcefully locking your elbows at the top. Exhale as you press up and inhale as you lower.

What does Smith Machine Flat Bench Press work?

Pressing exercise that works the chest, triceps, and shoulders while keeping the load stable between the lowering phase and arm extension.

What should you feel during Smith Machine Flat Bench Press?

Work in the chest, front deltoids, and triceps, with the effort well distributed across the upper body. The movement should remain controlled through the chest, shoulders, and arms, without pain in the shoulders, wrists, elbows, or lower back.

The guidance above organizes the content from the Athletic Station exercise base. Adapt the movement to your individual condition and stop if you experience pain.