Seated Machine Chest Press
Also known as: seated chest press machine, chest press machine, machine chest press, upright chest press machine, Incline Machine Chest Press
In SetGrip: Machine Chest Press (Incline)
An upright leverage machine fixes the path of a flat chest press, so you can concentrate on pushing rather than balancing a bar, which makes it the easiest entry point to machine pressing in this family. It also shines late in a session, when free-weight stability has faded but the pecs can still handle strict reps.
How to do the Seated Machine Chest Press
- Adjust the seat so the handles sit at mid-chest height and the backrest is upright.
- Sit with your back against the backrest and your feet flat on the floor.
- Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Push the handles straight forward until your arms are extended, without locking your elbows.
- Pause for a moment, then slowly bend your elbows and bring the handles back toward your chest.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tip: Squeeze the bar hard and bend it toward your feet to keep the elbows in and the lats tight.
Muscles worked
Primary
Pectorals · Chest
The pecs press the arms together and forward and are worked hardest at the bottom of the rep when the elbows are below the body.
Common mistakes
- Elbows flared to 90 degrees — this puts the shoulder in a poor position at the bottom; tuck the elbows to about 45 to 60 degrees and touch the bar on the lower chest.
- Losing shoulder blade position — the shoulder blades should be pulled back and down before the unrack and stay there; if they roll forward, the chest loses leverage.
- Bouncing off the chest — control the bar to a light touch and pause for a beat before pressing; a bounce hides how much you can actually press.
- Feet dancing around — plant the feet flat and drive them into the floor for the whole set to keep the body tight.
Sets, reps and where it fits
| Goal | Sets × reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 4–5 × 3–6 | 2–3 min |
| Muscle growth | 3–4 × 6–12 | 90–120 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 12–20 | 60 s |
Bench press goes first in a chest or push session when you are strongest. Superset with a dumbbell row on the same bench for a push and pull pair, or follow it with flies for volume.
Variations and alternatives
Similar exercises
Without machine
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Seated Machine Chest Press work?
The Seated Machine Chest Press primarily works the pectorals. It also involves the delts and triceps, which assist the movement and stabilise the joints.
Is the Seated Machine Chest Press good for beginners?
Yes. The Seated Machine Chest Press is rated beginner: it uses a machine and the movement is simple to learn. Start light, focus on the full range of motion and add load once every rep looks the same.
What can I do instead of the Seated Machine Chest Press?
If you cannot do the Seated Machine Chest Press, try the Incline Single Arm Dumbbell Bench Press, the Dumbbell Bench Press or the Seated Cable Chest Press. Each of them trains the pectorals through a similar movement, so you can swap them in without changing the rest of the workout.
How many sets and reps should I do?
It depends on your goal. For the Seated Machine Chest Press, a sensible starting point is strength: 4–5 × 3–6 with 2–3 min rest; muscle growth: 3–4 × 6–12 with 90–120 s rest; endurance: 2–3 × 12–20 with 60 s rest. Put it early in the session while you are fresh, before isolation work for the same muscles.
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