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Last updated February 2, 2026
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chest
Incline Bench Press (Cable)
Place a bench in the middle of a cable station. Press the handles up and together over your upper chest. Cables provide constant tension throughout the rep.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- 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
upper chest
Secondary
front shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cableadjustable bench
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, typically at the lowest setting for incline bench press.
- Select the desired weight on the cable stack.
- Step 2Position the Bench
- Set an adjustable bench to an incline of about 30 to 45 degrees.
- Position the bench in the middle of the cable machine, ensuring that the cables are aligned with your chest.
- Step 3Grab the Handles
- Sit on the bench and grab the handles attached to the cables with an overhand grip.
- Ensure your hands are positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Step 4Position Your Body
- Lie back on the bench, keeping your feet flat on the ground for stability.
- Retract your shoulder blades and engage your core to maintain a stable position.
- Step 5Lift the Handles
- Press the handles upward, extending your arms fully while keeping a slight bend in your elbows.
- Focus on pushing through your chest and not locking your elbows at the top.
- Step 6Lower the Handles
- Slowly lower the handles back down to the starting position, controlling the movement.
- Ensure that your elbows are at about a 45-degree angle from your body as you lower the handles.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the handles back on the machine.
- Sit up and stand, ensuring to maintain good posture as you exit the bench.