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Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press

Chest Shoulders Triceps Intermediate Strength Barbell
Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Force
Push
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Lie back on a flat bench with feet firm on the floor. Using a wide, pronated (palms forward) grip that is around 3 inches away from shoulder width (for each hand), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked. The bar will be perpendicular to the torso and the floor. This will be your starting position.
  2. As you breathe in, come down slowly until you feel the bar on your middle chest.
  3. After a second pause, bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out and push the bar using your chest muscles. Lock your arms and squeeze your chest in the contracted position, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly again. Tip: It should take at least twice as long to go down than to come up.
  4. Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press work?

Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press primarily targets the Chest. It also engages the Shoulders, Triceps as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building chest development.

What equipment do I need for the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press?

You will need a barbell to perform the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press suitable for beginners?

The Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press is an intermediate exercise. You should have a solid foundation of basic strength movements before attempting it. If you're new to training, start with simpler variations and progress to this exercise as your form and strength improve.

Is the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall strength and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Wide-Grip Barbell Bench Press?

Good alternatives include the Alternating Floor Press, Around The Worlds, Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Chest) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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