Chest
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Bench Press - Powerlifting
Learn how to do the Bench Press - Powerlifting exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Barbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Intermediate
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Chest
Secondary support can come from Shoulders, Arms.
Strength
Movement pattern: horizontal push. This is a compound exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Bench Press - Powerlifting
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. 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.
- However wide your grip, it should cover the ring on the bar. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
- Lower the bar to your lower chest or upper stomach. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times.
- Pause when the barbell touches your torso, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the chest region.
- Trains multiple joints at once, which can make your sessions more efficient.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Cutting the range of motion short and rushing through the reps.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
Bench Press-Focused Workout
An upper-body session designed to put the bench press first while still keeping shoulders and triceps moving forward.
View workoutPowerlifting Beginner Program
A beginner-friendly powerlifting structure built around the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
View workout3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Barbell Guillotine Bench Press
Barbell Guillotine Bench Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your chest using barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Guillotine Bench Press
Barbell Guillotine Bench Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your chest using barbell.
View exerciseBench Press - Powerlifting
Bench Press - Powerlifting is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your chest using barbell.
View exerciseReverse Band Bench Press
Reverse Band Bench Press is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your chest using barbell.
View exerciseRelated tools
Related calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
FAQ
Common questions about Bench Press - Powerlifting.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Bench Press - Powerlifting work?
Bench Press - Powerlifting mainly works the chest. It can also involve shoulders, arms depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Bench Press - Powerlifting beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate, so newer lifters may want to start lighter or use a simpler variation first.
What equipment do I need for Bench Press - Powerlifting?
You will usually need Barbell for this variation.
How should I progress Bench Press - Powerlifting?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.