Pin Presses

Pin Presses — Start position
Start position
Pin Presses — End position
End position
Region
Elbow & Arm
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Powerlifting
Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
compound
Force
push

Muscles worked

  • triceps
  • chest
  • forearms
  • lats
  • middle back
  • shoulders

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Pin presses remove the eccentric phase of the bench press, developing starting strength. They also allow you to train a desired range of motion.

  2. The bench should be set up in a power rack. Set the pins to the desired point in your range of motion, whether it just be lockout or an inch off of your chest. The bar should be moved to the pins and prepared for lifting.

  3. Begin by lying on the bench, with the bar directly above the contact point during your regular bench. Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.

  4. You can take a standard bench grip, or shoulder width to focus on the triceps. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.

  5. Drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.

  6. Return the bar to the pins, pausing before beginning the next repetition.

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