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Machine Supine Bench Press

Beginner

Machine supine bench press that targets chest, front shoulders, and triceps to build upper body pressing strength and muscle size; a stable, guided alternative to free-weight bench presses.

About Exercise

Equipment

Chest Press Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest, Lower Chest

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

6/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie face up on the machine pad with feet flat on the floor. Adjust the seat so handles align with mid-chest when arms are extended.

  1. Grip handles slightly wider than shoulders with overhand grip.
  2. Brace core and retract shoulder blades against the pad.
  3. Inhale and lower handles slowly until they near chest level with elbows at 45-60 degrees.
  4. Exhale and press handles forward until arms are nearly extended.
  5. Squeeze chest at the top without locking elbows.
  6. Repeat for reps while maintaining contact with the pad.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep elbows tucked
  • Squeeze chest at top
  • Shoulders back and down
  • Wrists straight
  • Control the descent

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase and exhale forcefully during the press while bracing your core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower handles to just short of chest level for a stretch, press to near full arm extension without elbow lockout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Adjust machine for proper alignment
  • Avoid if shoulder impingement present
  • Do not bounce or jerk weights
  • Keep low back neutral
  • Stop if wrist or elbow pain occurs

Spotting

Not required; machine provides fixed path and safety stops.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Lifting hips off pad
  • Locking elbows at top
  • Moving too quickly

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Uncontrolled wrist pain
  • Elbow joint issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Adequate thoracic mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic understanding of pressing mechanics
  • Ability to maintain neutral spine

Also known as

Supine Chest Press, Lying Chest Press Machine, Machine Chest Press

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