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Last updated February 2, 2026
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chest
Chest Press (Machine: Plate Loaded)
Load plates. Sit and press handles forward. Focus on pushing yourself into the seat as you press out.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
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
leverage machine
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the seat height of the chest press machine so that the handles are at chest level when you sit down.
- Select an appropriate weight by adding or removing plates on the machine.
- Step 2Sit Down
- Sit on the machine with your back firmly against the backrest.
- Place your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Step 3Grip the Handles
- Reach for the handles with both hands, ensuring your grip is shoulder-width apart.
- Your palms should be facing forward, and your elbows should be slightly bent.
- Step 4Position Your Body
- Engage your core and keep your back pressed against the backrest.
- Ensure your shoulders are down and relaxed, away from your ears.
- Step 5Press the Handles
- Push the handles away from your chest by extending your arms, exhaling as you press.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent at the top of the movement to avoid locking them out.
- Step 6Lower the Handles
- Slowly bring the handles back towards your chest, inhaling as you lower them.
- Maintain control throughout the movement, ensuring your elbows stay at a comfortable angle.
- Step 7Repeat
- Continue pressing and lowering the handles for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form with each rep.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the handles back to the starting position.
- Stand up from the machine, keeping your back straight, and ensure you safely exit the machine.