Target Muscle

    Chest

    Equipment

    Barbell

    Difficulty

    Advanced

    Category

    Strength

    Barbell Reverse Grip Decline Bench Press

    The barbell reverse grip decline bench press is a chest exercise performed on a decline bench using a barbell with a reverse (underhand) grip. This variation targets the lower chest and places additional emphasis on the tricep and shoulders.

    Also Works

    TricepsShoulders

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Lie on a decline bench with your feet secured and your head lower than your hips.

    2. 2

      Grasp the barbell with a reverse grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

    3. 3

      Unrack the barbell and lower it slowly towards your chest, keeping your elbows tucked in.

    4. 4

      Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push the barbell back up to the starting position.

    5. 5

      Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Grip the bar with palms facing you (supinated) at shoulder width and unrack carefully with a spotter.
    • Lower the bar to your lower chest, keeping your elbows tucked close to your sides.
    • Press the bar in a slight arc back toward the rack to maintain the proper bar path.

    Common Mistakes

    • Attempting to unrack without a spotter, which is dangerous with a reverse grip on a decline.
    • Gripping too wide, which weakens the reverse grip and increases the risk of the bar slipping.
    • Flaring the elbows out, which negates the benefit of the reverse grip for upper chest and tricep activation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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