Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press

1. Lie on a flat bench with your feet planted firmly on the ground. 2. Grab the barbell with a grip slightly narrower than shoulder-width, with your palms facing towards your feet. 3. Lift the barbell off the rack and position it directly above your lower chest. 4. Keep your elbows close to your sides as you lower the barbell towards your chest. 5. Pause for a moment when the barbell touches your chest. 6. Push the barbell back up to the starting position, extending your arms fully. 7. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

How to perform the Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Barbell Reverse Close-Grip Bench Press using your barbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your pectoralis minor.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your pectoralis minor rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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