Arms / Intermediate / Compound (multi-joint)

Pin Presses

A barbell exercise for the triceps, with the chest, forearms and lats assisting.

At a glance

Primary

Triceps

Secondary

Chest, Forearms & grip, Lats, Upper back (rhomboids, mid/lower traps), Front delts, Serratus anterior

Equipment

Barbell

Movement pattern

Horizontal push

Level

Intermediate

Type

Arms, Compound (multi-joint)

How to do it

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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