Flat vs Incline Bench Press: Which Is Better? 7 Differences

The flat press is your go-to for laying down a solid chest foundation, hitting your pecs, triceps, and shoulders all at once.

It might seem like just another basic move, but trust me, it works wonders for overall strength.

Now, when you throw in the incline press?

That’s when things really start to take off.

It zeroes in on those upper chest muscles, giving your chest that fuller, rounded look.

Why choose between them?

You’d be missing out if you didn’t blend both into your routine.

Adding both unlocked a more balanced, defined chest for me, and I’m pretty sure it can do the same for you.

Let’s take a quick look at how incorporating these two power moves can elevate your chest game to new heights.

Aspect	Flat Bench	Incline Bench
Focus Muscle	Pectoralis Major	Upper Pectoralis, Shoulders
Strength	Overall Chest Power	Clavicular Pectoralis
Difficulty	Beginner	Intermediate
Benefits	Builds Mass	Defines Upper Chest

Table of Contents

The 4 Major muscle groups used in the Incline and Flat Bench Press

MUSCLE INVOLVED	FLAT BENCH PRESS	INCLINE BENCH PRESS
Pectoralis major	✔	✔
Pectoralis minor	✔
Anterior deltoid	✔	✔
Triceps brachii	✔	✔

The Key Muscles

When you’re pushing weight on the flat bench, you’re calling on the big guns: the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii.

These are the heroes working behind the scenes to make those gains happen.

Switch up to an incline, and you’re still rolling with the pectoralis major and those deltoids and triceps, but the spotlight shifts a bit to carve out that upper chest.

Pectoralis Major – The Chest Beast

This large, fan-shaped powerhouse sits proudly across your upper chest and is all about bringing your arm across your body and flexing that shoulder.

The pec major is key for that shoulder stability, helping you nail other lifts and keeping your posture on point.

Additionally, it plays a part in your respiratory system, aiding in deep breathing.

Pectoralis Minor – Small but Strong

Tucked away beneath its big brother, the pectoralis minor might be smaller but it’s mighty in its own right.

It’s all about moving that shoulder forward and keeping everything stable.

Plus, it contributes significantly to your respiratory process.

Anterior Deltoid – Front Shoulder Muscle

Part of your deltoid muscle trio, the anterior deltoid is that front muscle making your shoulders look sharp.

It excels at lifting your arm up and to the side, playing a crucial role in all things shoulder movement and adding that definition to your upper body.

Triceps Brachii – Arm Strength Builder

Stretching from your shoulder to your elbow, this three-headed muscle beast is the key to straightening out that arm.

The triceps are vital for pushing, pulling, and overall arm strength, keeping you balanced and powerful in your upper body workouts.

BEST BENCH PRESS VARIATIONS

Steps to Master the Flat Bench Press

Alright, let’s chat about the granddaddy of chest exercises: the Flat Bench Press.

No matter if you prefer barbells or dumbbells, this classic move is your ticket to an impressive chest, along with some serious shoulder and tricep action.

Ready to begin?

If it’s a barbell you’re wrestling with, go easy on the weight.

Handling dumbbells?

Pick something you won’t cry about mid-lift.

Now, sprawl out on that bench like it owes you money.

Your hands?

Just a tad wider than shoulder-width. Feet planted firmly on terra firma.

Set for the challenge?

Inhale deeply and lower the weight smoothly.

Keep those elbows from flaring out – think of hugging a giant tree.

Your chest meets the bar first (no cheating!), then push it back up and repeat the movement.

Shake Up Your Routine!

Think you’ve conquered the bench press?

Don’t kid yourself.

I suggest you try holding the bar at the bottom of the lift for a few seconds, like you’re posing for the cameras.

Or pause at the top for an extra burn.

Trust me, these small changes can make a big difference.

Incline Bench Press Guide

Now, onto the Incline Bench Press, where we aim high – literally.

I like to angle the bench at a comfortable 30 degrees.

Angle that bench at a cozy 30 degrees to start.

This is where we carve out that upper chest like Michelangelo.

Get comfy on the bench, pressing your hips and shoulder blades into it like you’re leaving an imprint.

Feet flat, please.

Grab that barbell like it’s the last one on Earth, a bit wider than your shoulders. Straight arms, wrists in check.

Lift off, and lower it slowly to your chest, keeping those arms proud and perpendicular.

Press it back up, lock out those arms, and maybe take a moment to bask in your glory before bringing it down again.

Core tight, eyes on the prize, and control that weight like it’s your destiny.

7 Differences between Flat and Incline Bench

Both exercises target the same muscles and involve pushing the weight up from the chest, but there are some key differences between the two.

The flat bench press has always been my go-to for overall chest development.

It’s a solid all-rounder.

But when I really want to hit that upper chest and bring my shoulders into the mix, the incline bench press takes the spotlight.

Below you will find the 7 main differences between Incline and Flat Bench Presses:

1. Incline angle of the bench

When we’re talking bench presses, is your straightforward path to chest gains, where you can just push the world away, quite literally.

Then there’s the incline bench press.

With the bench set at a cheeky angle of 30 to 45 degrees, you’re essentially putting the spotlight on your upper pecs, aiming for that standout definition.

This tweak in the setup shifts the focus and effectiveness of your workout, lighting up parts of your chest that the flat bench might not hit as directly.

2. Overall strength

The flat bench press is the undisputed champ of chest day, perfect for building broad chest strength.

It sets the stage for a robust foundation, turning your workout into a fortress-building session.

On the flip side, the incline bench press targets those hard-to-reach upper pecs with precision, carving out a more defined upper chest.

So, what’s your goal?

Building comprehensive chest strength or focusing on defining those upper pecs?

Flat Bench Press Vs Incline Bench Press: effects on neuromuscular adaptation

This study examined the impacts of horizontal and incline bench presses and the combination of both workouts on neuromuscular adaptation in untrained youth.

Forty-seven inexperienced people were assigned to one of three categories:

1) Horizontal Bench Press

2) Incline Bench Press

3) A combined group (horizontal + inclined)

The training was performed once a week over eight weeks, with an equal number of sets between groups.

The results indicate that performing flat or incline bench presses, or a combination of both, can produce a similar change in overall strength.

3. Lifting Heavier with the Bench Press

When you’re parked on the flat bench, you’ve got the green light to unleash the beast mode.

Why?

Because you’re as stable as a rock, planted firmly on that bench like a tree with deep roots.

This is your domain, where you can stack those plates and push the limits, all while keeping it solid and steady.

Now, flip the script and angle that bench.

Suddenly, it’s not just about brute strength anymore.

The incline bench press is strategic, requiring a touch of finesse and a whole lot of balance.

You might find yourself scaling back on the weight, but don’t be fooled; it’s all part of the plan.

This is where you finesse those muscles, hitting the upper chest with precision and care.

4. Range of motion

By elevating the bench, you’re positioned in a way that asks your muscles to stretch and reach just a bit more than usual.

This is the part where your upper chest and shoulders get a special invite to the party.

The incline angle means your muscles are working overtime, stretching out to push that weight, but from a slightly elevated stance.

5. Stress on the shoulder joint

The flat bench press, while a staple in chest development, distributes the load across the chest, triceps, and shoulders.

The stress on the shoulder joint is there but somewhat balanced due to the position and mechanics of the lift.

Enter the incline bench press, and the plot thickens.

By adjusting the bench to an incline, we shift more focus—and thus more stress—onto the shoulder joint.

This is because the angle places the shoulders in a more pronounced position of engagement, especially targeting the upper chest and front deltoids.

The shoulders are asked to play a bigger role, stepping into the spotlight, but also absorb more of the impact and strain.

This increased stress isn’t necessarily bad, but it does require a mindful approach.

Proper form becomes your shield, and warm-ups, your pre-battle strategy.

It’s about respecting the shoulder joint’s limits, listening to your body, and ensuring that your pursuit of strength doesn’t lead to an unwanted plot twist of injury.

6. Muscle activation

The incline bench press precisely targets muscle fibers in ways the flat bench can’t match.

Far from being a gym myth, this is a fact backed by data enthusiasts.

Studies support that the unique positioning of the incline bench press distinctively stimulates muscles, encouraging enhanced muscle growth.

Effects of Incline Bench Press on Muscle Activation

It is well documented that muscle activation is greater during incline bench press as opposed to flat bench press.

The horizontal bench press produces uniform EMG activity in all three points of the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid.

While the upper pectoralis major and anterior deltoid were more active during the incline bench press.

This is likely due to the increased range of motion and the slight forward lean of the torso during the incline bench press. (Pubmed/7579505)

In another study, the incline bench press was shown to have greater biceps brachii activation, but fewer triceps brachii activation than flat and decline bench presses. (Pubmed/5504579)

These differences in muscle activation can be beneficial for athletes who are looking to increase their strength and power.

7. Difficulty of execution

Every rep on the incline is a bit more demanding, requiring not just strength but also stability, balance, and a keen sense of muscle engagement to keep that barbell or those dumbbells on the right path.

So, if you’re ready to “Level Up” your chest routine, think of the incline bench press as your next big challenge.

With a flat bench press, your arms and chest muscles must work together to lift the weight, while an incline bench press requires multiple chest muscles to be engaged.

As a result, the incline bench press is generally more difficult to perform than a flat bench press.

Bench Press Safety Tips:

Stable Foundation: Lay flat on the bench, ensuring your back and feet are solidly grounded for maximum stability.

Elbows and Wrists: Keep your elbows close and wrists straight, focusing on form over flair for effective lifting.

Neck Position: Maintain a neutral neck by slightly tucking your chin, aligning it with your spine to stay focused and safe.

Use a Spotter: Approach heavy lifts with a spotter by your side, ensuring safety through each rep.

Avoid Over-Arching: Aim for a natural spine curve; too much arching isn’t recommended.

Manage Weights Wisely: Choose weights that match your current strength level to avoid overexertion.

Support with a Belt: Utilize a weight belt for extra core support during those challenging lifts.

Warm-Up First: Activate your muscles with a proper warm-up session before you start benching.

Heed Body Signals: Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort and adjust accordingly to prevent injuries.

Which Is Better For Chest Building: Incline Or Flat Bench? Wrapping Up

Choosing between incline and flat bench presses comes down to personal preference—both are beneficial.

The incline bench targets upper pecs and shoulders with unmatched precision, enhancing your upper body’s shape and posture.

On the other hand, the flat bench press is the cornerstone of chest workouts, building foundational strength and working the entire chest, with some added core stability.

So, should you choose one over the other?

In my opinion, not at all.

Combining both in your workouts is key to well-rounded chest development.

Together, they ensure your chest is not just strong but aesthetically pleasing too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a spotter to do Bench Press?

I believe that using a spotter when performing the Bench Press exercise is a smart decision. A spotter is a really big help, as it allows you to safely challenge yourself to lift more weight and achieve greater levels of strength

Which bench is better for building a chest?

There’s no simple answer to this question. It depends on your goals and your current strength levels. If you’re looking to build muscle, both flat and incline bench pressing will be effective. However, if you’re trying to specifically build your chest muscles, you may want to focus on incline bench pressing.

Can you do a flat bench press and an incline bench press on the same day?

Yes, you can do a flat bench press and an incline bench press on the same day. This habit will give you a more varied workout and help you target different muscles.

In addition to the flat and incline bench, do I also need to add the decline bench?

It’s a good idea to include the Decline Bench too! The Decline bench will help you achieve more balanced results because it targets the lower chest muscles and core. It’s also a great way to work on your posture and form.

Is the incline bench press harder than the flat bench press?

If you’re new to weightlifting, the flat bench press will likely be easier since it’s a more natural movement.

The incline bench press requires more balance and stability than the flat bench press, making it more challenging and engaging for the muscles.

Is it better to do the Incline or Flat Bench first?

The vast majority of people who go to the gym to lift weights use the flat bench first and then the incline bench. The main reason for this is that bench presses allow you to move the most weight, which is what you need to do to stimulate the most muscle growth. The incline bench comes in second because it allows you to train your upper chest muscles more effectively. So, if your goal is to build a bigger and stronger chest, then you should start with the flat bench press and then move on to the incline bench press.