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Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press

The barbell incline reverse-grip press is a compound upper body exercise that targets the triceps while also engaging the chest and shoulders. It is performed on an incline bench using a reverse (underhand) grip on the barbell.

Quick Facts

Body PartsUpper Arms
Target MusclesTriceps
Secondary MusclesChest and Shoulders
EquipmentBarbell
DifficultyIntermediate
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press with proper form and technique.

  1. Set up an incline bench at a 45-degree angle.
  2. Lie back on the bench and grasp the barbell with a reverse grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Unrack the barbell and lower it towards your upper chest, keeping your elbows tucked in.
  4. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the barbell back up to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

ChestShoulders

Benefits of Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press

Incorporating Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Triceps Development: Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press directly targets and strengthens the Triceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Chest and Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Progressive Overload Potential: Barbells allow for precise weight increments, making it easier to progressively overload the muscles over time for consistent strength gains.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Triceps and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Use Safety Equipment: When lifting heavy, always use a power rack with safety pins set at the appropriate height, and consider using a spotter for maximal attempts.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Triceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Barbell Incline Reverse-grip Press, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

Weight

Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.

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