Incline Barbell Presses

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Make sure overhead pressing is acceptable for you by checking with your doctor first.

Incline Barbell Presses are usually done in a gym setting. The bench is designed to hold the barbell above the head in the starting and ending postion of the exercise. Since incline barbell presses are a more dangerous exercises, it is recommended to have someone spotting or helping you with this exercise. Begin by taking a medium width grip on the barbell that is even on both sides (not off center making the weight heavier on one side). Push the barbell off the rack in an upward direction. Once the barbell is free of the rack, beging the downward portion of the exercise by slowly letting the weight push the elbows slightly out and down, toward the floor until a comfortable stretch is felt in the chest and shoulders. Begin the upward portion of the exercise by pushing upwards with the hands on the barbell. Move the weight as far up as possible while keeping your head and shoulders on the bench. You do not have to lock the elbows at the top of the movement. If this was your last repetition, you would rack the weight by placing the barbell back into the rack. If you are going to do more repetitions, begin the downward part of the exercise again. Always make sure to never bounce the weight/bar off the chest at the bottom of this exercise.

Barbell Incline Presses are Not Recommended for Kids

This exercise is too dangerous for kids. The barbell can pin kids down and place too much stress on their growing bodies. Dumbbells are much safer as they can be put down at any time during the exercise.

Alternative exercises: 

Push Exercises
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