← Back to library
Last updated February 2, 2026
Media unavailable
chest
Bench Press (Cable)
Lie on bench between low pulleys. Press handles up and together. Squeeze pecs hard at the top.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
chest
Secondary
triceps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cablebench
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the cable machine to the appropriate height for your bench press.
- Select the desired weight on the cable machine.
- Step 2Position Yourself
- Lie down on the bench with your back flat and feet firmly on the ground.
- Grab the handles of the cable with both hands, ensuring your grip is shoulder-width apart.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body during the lift.
- Ensure your shoulder blades are retracted and pressed against the bench.
- Step 4Start the Lift
- Begin with your arms fully extended, holding the cable handles above your chest.
- Lower the handles slowly towards your chest, keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
- Step 5Press the Handles
- Push the handles back up to the starting position by extending your arms.
- Focus on using your chest muscles to drive the movement.
- Step 6Control the Movement
- Maintain control throughout the exercise, avoiding any jerky movements.
- Ensure that the movement is smooth and steady.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form.
- Take brief pauses if needed, but keep your core engaged.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the handles back to the starting position.
- Sit up slowly and safely exit the bench.