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Resistance Band Incline Chest Press

Beginner
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A resistance band exercise mimicking incline bench press that targets upper chest, anterior shoulders, and triceps to build upper body strength and hypertrophy; adjustable for home use.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

9/10

Upper Chest

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

6/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor the resistance band at hip height to a sturdy door. Stand facing away with feet staggered, grasp band ends at chest height, elbows bent, shoulders retracted.

  1. Exhale and press hands forward and upward at 45 degrees until arms nearly extend.
  2. Squeeze upper chest at the top.
  3. Inhale and slowly return hands to chest height, resisting the band's pull.
  4. Maintain core engagement and stable stance throughout.
  5. Repeat for reps without locking elbows.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Shoulders down and back
  • Drive through upper chest
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Keep wrists straight
  • Squeeze at top

Breathing

Inhale during the return phase; exhale forcefully while pressing to brace core.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

From elbows bent at chest level to arms nearly straight with hands together above shoulders.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect bands for damage before use
  • Secure anchor firmly to avoid slippage
  • Avoid if acute shoulder impingement
  • Start with lighter band to master form
  • Warm up shoulders and chest first

Spotting

Spotting not required; use lighter bands or assisted variations if needed for stability.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Arching lower back
  • Using momentum to press
  • Letting shoulders shrug up
  • Incomplete range on return

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent pectoral strain
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 150 degrees
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Master basic chest press form
  • Familiarity with band tension
  • Stable standing posture

Also known as

Band Incline Chest Press, Standing Incline Band Press, Resistance Band Upper Chest Press

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