Elbows flare to 90 degrees
Chest and anterior delt take over from the triceps.
Overactive muscles
Pec majorAnterior deltoid
Corrective work
Foam RollPectorals↗StretchDoorway pec stretch↗Push · Upper Body
Close-Grip Smith Machine Press
Coaching cues
- Smith machine; narrow grip; lower to lower chest
- Elbows track straight back — not flaring
- Drive to lockout; squeeze the triceps hard at the top
- Fixed bar path removes stabilizer demand; tricep can be overloaded safely
Common faults 2
Bar path drifts over the face
Smith machine path should stay over the lower chest for tricep focus.
Overactive muscles
Anterior deltoidUpper trapezius
Corrective work
Foam RollUpper traps↗StretchLevator scapulae stretch↗