Barbell Pause Incline Bench Press

The Barbell Pause Incline Bench Press targets the upper chest and triceps while enhancing strength and stability.

  1. Set an adjustable bench to an incline position.
  2. Lie back on the bench and grip the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  3. Lower the barbell to your chest, pausing for a moment before pressing it back up.
  4. Keep your feet flat on the ground and maintain a stable core throughout the movement.

How to perform the Barbell Pause Incline Bench Press

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Barbell Pause Incline Bench Press using your barbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your deltoids.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your deltoids rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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