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Last updated February 2, 2026
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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.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Adjust the cable machine to the appropriate height for your bench press.
    • Select the desired weight on the cable machine.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6Control the Movement
    • Maintain control throughout the exercise, avoiding any jerky movements.
    • Ensure that the movement is smooth and steady.
  7. Step 7Repeat
    • Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form.
    • Take brief pauses if needed, but keep your core engaged.
  8. 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.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025