Exercise library · Chest

How to Do Smith Machine Decline Press

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the smith machine decline press.

How to do it

1. Position a decline bench in the rack so that the bar will be above your chest. Load an appropriate weight and take your place on the bench.
2. Rotate the bar to unhook it from the rack and fully extend your arms. Your back should be slightly arched and your shoulder blades retracted. This will be your starting position.
3. Begin the movement by flexing your arms, lowering the bar to your chest.
4. Pause briefly, and then extend your arms to push the weight back to the starting position.
5. After completing the desired number of repetitions, rotate the bar to rack the weight.

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).

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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 →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.