How to Do Decline Smith Press
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the decline smith press.

| Main muscles | Chest |
| Also works | Shoulders, Triceps |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Level | Beginner |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- Place a decline bench underneath the Smith machine. Now place the barbell at a height that you can reach when lying down and your arms are almost fully extended. Using a pronated grip that is wider than shoulder width, unlock the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms extended. This will be your starting position.
- As you inhale, lower the bar under control by allowing the elbows to flex, lightly contacting the torso.
- After a brief pause, bring the bar back to the starting position by extending the elbows, exhaling as you do so.
- Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
- When the set is complete, lock the bar back in the rack.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
Similar exercises






Gear for this exercise
Gym duffel bagShoe compartment and space for everything.See it on Amazon →
Gym glovesBetter grip and fewer calluses.See it on Amazon →New fat-loss tips every day. Follow danfitnz everywhere: