Barbell Close Grip Bench Press

A close grip bench press is a resistance exercise, which involves the primary elbow extensor, the triceps brachii. This exercise can be performed with an Olympic bar or other barbell alternative. The concentric portion of the lift is elbow extension which involves the lifting of the weight. The eccentric portion is elbow flexion, which involves the descent of the weight.

The purpose of the close grip bench press is to strengthen the triceps while promoting hypertrophy (increases in size) of triceps.

Close grip bench presses provide a variation in bench press, narrowing the grip to activate the triceps brachii. The pectoralis major and anterior deltoids are also activated in this movement.

Close grip bench presses strengthen and increase the size of the triceps brachii. Close grip bench presses also serve as an auxiliary exercise that can increase strength involved in other multi-joint exercises.

The triceps brachii is located on the back of the upper arm, originating at the shoulder and inserting in the elbow joint. It consists of three heads, the long, medial and lateral head. The medial head lies beneath the long and lateral head. The long head origin is located at the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula (shoulder blade). The original of the lateral head is located at the posterior shaft of the humerus. The medial head origin is located at the radial groove of the posterior humeral shaft.

The long and lateral heads make up the “horseshoe” portion of the triceps. All three heads merge, sharing insertion into the olecranon process of the ulna, located at the elbow joint.

The triceps brachii extend the elbow joint. The long head assists in arm adduction.

The anconeus is a short, triangular muscle located at the elbow joint. Its origin is located at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, inserting at the lateral aspect of the olecranon process of the ulna.

The pectoralis major and anterior deltoid contribute to a lesser extent, helping stabilize the shoulder joint. The pectoralis major originates at the sternal end the clavicle, sternum and rib cartilage (ribs 1-6) with fibers converging at the insertion located at the greater tubercle of the humerus. The pectoralis major aids in pushing movements as the shoulder is adducted. The clavicular head of the pectoralis major is activated during the close grip bench press, helping to develop the upper portion of the pectorals. The anterior deltoid is a primary synergist of the pectoralis major.

The serratus anterior and trapezius muscles aid the movement and stability of the scapula (shoulder blade).

Wide grip, Standard width grip, Reverse grip, Smith machine close grip, EZ bar close grip, dumbbell close grip.

Focus on the concentric portion of the contraction, concentrating on “squeezing” as arms are fully extending as you push the barbell upward.
Emphasis on eccentric contractions, prolonging the eccentric portion of the contraction, may also be incorporated in a training program focused on increasing strength. This should be implemented accordingly and with adequate muscle recovery as eccentric contractions cause substantial damage to muscle tissue.

In order to improve pushing performance through “sticking points”, partial repetition ranges may be implemented to improve full range of motion of the close grip bench press. Strategically varying your grip width (narrow, standard and wide grip) and hand positioning (supinated grip, pronated grip) between can improve overall bench press performance.

It’s important to note that your repetition and set volume will depend on your goals (e.g. strength, hypertrophy, muscular endurance). It is also important to allow adequate recovery days in between triceps and chest training to allow muscles to repair.

Lifting the barbell with a grip narrower than shoulder width does not activate the triceps to a greater extent, places stress on the wrists and limits the load that can be lifted successfully. Therefore, any grip narrower than a shoulder width grip may not be necessary or practical.

It is very common to observe an individual arching their back in efforts of lifting the weight with more ease. This technique should only be performed by weightlifting professionals and can compromise the safety of lifters.

Lifting heavier weight without a trained spotter. With moderate to heavy weight loads, a trained spotter should monitor the lifter throughout their set for optimal safety. In heavy weight cases, two spotters at each end of the barbell may be appropriate.

If proper technique is not adhered to (e.g. arching of the back, dropping the weight quickly instead of controlling the descent on the eccentric portion of the lift), the likelihood of injury increases.

Although rare, triceps tendon rupture and/or injury to rotator cuff muscles may occur if warm-up is not sufficient and/or if intensity (load) is increased inappropriately. Lowering the barbell too low should be avoided as it results in excessive shoulder extension and horizontal abduction, which can place great stress on the overall joint.

If proper technique and recovery are not adhered to, impingement syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, biceps tendonitis/biceps tendinosis and glenoid labrum tears may result. Therefore, it’s best to avoid bench press exercises when addressing impingement syndrome/rotator cuff injury unless advised by a physical therapist.