Barbell Bench Press (power lift)
The Barbell Bench Press (power lift) primarily works the Pectoralis Major (Sternal), with secondary activation of the Anterior Deltoid, Brachialis, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Triceps (Long Head) and stabilizer support from the Biceps Brachii (Short Head), Erector Spinae, Gluteus Maximus. It is a barbell compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
A barbell compound push exercise targeting the Pectoralis Major (Sternal).
| Equipment | Barbell |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Horizontal Push |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Pectoralis Major (Sternal) |
| Secondary | Anterior Deltoid, Brachialis, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Triceps (Long Head) |
Muscles Worked
Front
Back
Primary
Secondary
Stabilizer
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Sternal) (chest)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Anterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Clavicular) (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Brachii (Short Head) (biceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
Instructions
- Preparation: Lie supine on bench. Grasp bar with overhand and slightly wider than shoulder width grip. Arch back, extend hips, and position feet back flat on floor. Dismount barbell from rack over chest. Execution: Lower weight to lower chest. Press bar upward until arms are extended. Repeat. Comments: Competitive lifting requires bar to make contact with chest above bottom of the sternum with momentary pause. Gluteus Maximus, Erector Spinae, Quadriceps, and other muscles may be considered significant stabilizers during actual powerlift.
Alternative Exercises
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