Bench Press Flat Wide-Grip

A wide grip bench press is a resistance exercise, which involves the primary horizontal shoulder adductor, the pectoralis major. This exercise can be performed with an Olympic bar or other barbell alternative.

The concentric portion of the lift is horizontal shoulder adduction and elbow extension. The concentric portion involves the lifting of the weight. The eccentric portion is horizontal shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, which involves the descent of the weight.

The purpose of the wide grip bench press is to strengthen the pectoralis major while promoting hypertrophy (increases in size) of this muscle.

Wide grip bench presses increase the size and strength of the upper (clavicular) and lower (sternocostal) heads of the pectoralis major. The bench press is a staple exercise to develop the chest. The triceps and anterior deltoid are also activated in this movement. A wider grip requires less activation of the triceps and greater activation of the sternocostal head of the pectoralis major.1

The wide grip bench press serves not only as an exercise to improve aesthetics of the pectoral muscle, but also as a valuable training tool for sports that entail pushing and throwing.

The barbell has to travel less distance with a wide grip as opposed to a narrower grip. It is common for strength athletes such as powerlifters to perform bench press with a wide grip. A wider grip, however, can increase negative stress on the shoulder joint and the risk of pectoralis muscle tears when compared to narrower grip.

1. Lehman GJ. (2005). Influence of grip width and forearm pronation/supination on upper-body myoelectric activity during the flat bench press. JSCR. 19(3):587-91.

The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle that spans across the chest, forming the front portion of the axillary fold (arm pit). It is divided into two parts: clavicular and sternal. Its origin is located at the sternal end of the clavicle, the sternum, rib cartilage (ribs 1-6 [or 7]), and the aponeurosis of the external oblique. The fibers of the pectoralis major converge at the point of insertion located at the greater tubercle of the humerus. The pectoralis major aids in pushing movements as the shoulder adducts the arm against resistance. The shoulder adducts as the barbell is pressed upward.

The horizontal positioning of this exercise targets both the sternocostal and clavicular heads of the pectoralis major. Therefore, bench presses are a staple exercise for developing the chest. The wide grip entails increased horizontal shoulder adduction and less elbow extension than with a narrower grip. This places increased reliance on the pectoralis major and less on the triceps brachii on the upward phase.

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 as with the bench press pushing motion.

The deltoid is a thick, multipennate muscle that forms a curtain around the shoulder. It is the primary muscle involved with arm abduction and the anterior fibers are a primary shoulder flexor. The anterior deltoid is a primary synergist of the pectoralis. When developed, the deltoids give the shoulder their round shape. The origin of the deltoid is located at the insertion of the trapezius, lateral third of the clavicle and the acromion spine of the scapula. Its insertion is located at the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus.

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.

Like the anterior fibers of the deltoid, the coracobrachialis is a synergist pectoralis major with horizontal shoulder adduction. It is a small muscle originating at the coracoid process of the scapula and inserting half way down the shaft of the humerus.

The wrist flexors and extensors stabilize the wrists, the abdominals stabilize the torso and the rotator cuff muscles stabilize the shoulder girdle.

Close grip bench press, [standard width] bench press, reverse grip, smith machine bench press, dumbbell bench press, incline bench press, decline bench press.

Wide grip bench press may increase negatives stress on the shoulder joint. To minimize this stress on your shoulder joint, it is best to not flare your elbows to the sides when lowering the bar. Maintain your elbows closer to your sides while lowering the bar to prevent shoulder injury. This technique also activates the pectoralis major fibers to a greater extent. Keeping your elbows tucked in your sides will have the bar descending lower in the chest area (below nipple level) as opposed to the higher level it reaches when elbows are flared out to the sides. Another way to measure this is by having your upper arms at an approximate 45-60 degree angle from your torso as opposed to keeping arms perpendicular to torso when elbows are flared out to the sides.

Utilizing a spotter can ensure the safety of bench press execution. They can also monitor your technique.

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 wide grip bench press. Strategically varying your grip width (narrow, standard and wide grip) and hand positioning (supinated grip, pronated grip) can improve overall bench press performance.

Varying your bench press angles (e.g. decline bench, incline bench press) can optimize fiber activation of all portions of the pectoralis major. In addition, strategically incorporating heavy elastic bands and weighted chains in a periodized training program may increase upper body strength and power for experienced lifters and elite athletes.1

It is 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 chest and triceps training to allow muscles to repair.

1. Ghigiarelli JJ et al. (2009). The effects of a 7-week heavy elastic band and weight chain program on upper-body strength and upper-body power in a sample of division 1-AA football players. JSCR. 23(3):756-64.

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 shoulder joint. Ensure that the upper arms do not pass the level of the torso when lowering the barbell towards your chest. 2

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.

2. Reinold MM, Gill TJ, Wilk KE et al. (2010). Current concepts in the evaluation and treatment of the shoulder in overhead throwing athletes, Part 2. Sports Health. 2(2):101-115.

Wide grip bench press results in greater horizontal shoulder abduction when the bar is lowered. This results in increased stress on the shoulder capsule. If the shoulder joint of a lifter is compromised, a narrower grip may be more appropriate to minimize stress on the shoulder.

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

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