What Muscles Does the Bench Press Work?

Which muscles the bench press actually trains, why grip width matters, and how to fuel a heavy pressing session.

What Muscles Does the Bench Press Work? What Muscles Does the Bench Press Work?

The bench press is the number everyone asks about first. Here's which muscles it actually trains, and how to make sure your nutrition matches the effort you're putting in under the bar.

Jump to:

The Muscles The Bench Press Trains

A systematic review of 14 EMG studies on the bench press found the pectoralis major (chest) and triceps brachii showed similarly high activation throughout the lift, both significantly higher than the anterior deltoid (front shoulder).1 The triceps also proved the most responsive muscle to changes in grip width, bar path and other technique variables, meaning small form adjustments can shift how much work your triceps specifically are doing.

The Supporting Cast

While chest and triceps do the majority of the work, a stable bench press also demands real engagement from your upper back and lats to keep your shoulder blades pinned and your base stable, plus core bracing to keep your ribcage and lower back locked in place under load. A press that looks like "just an arm and chest exercise" is actually built on a stable, tight base from head to toe.

Fuelling A Heavy Press Session

Creatine supports the kind of repeated, high-effort sets a serious bench press session demands, and PUMP or STIM beforehand covers blood flow and focus depending on whether you want a stimulant. Afterwards, WHEY gives your chest, triceps and shoulders what they need to recover and grow from the session.

Bench Press FAQs

Eddie Hall

Eddie's take: "People obsess over the number on the bar and forget the basics that get you there, tight technique, consistent training, and nutrition that actually backs up the work. Get those right first."

Train For It

Beast Creatine 100% Pure Micronised Monohydrate Powder Unflavoured Pouch 60 Servings Front of LabelBeast Pharm Creatine Monohydrate supplement package with usage instructions.
100% Pure Micronised Creatine Monohydrate -... 60 Servings£9.99
The most researched supplement on the planet. 100% of it. Beast Pharm Creatine is 100% pure 200 mesh micronised creatine monohydrate. Nothing else. No proprietary blend. No filler. No reason to add anything, because nothing needs adding. Each scoop is a full 5g efficacious dose. Most brands charge full price for 3g and call it a serving. Beast doesn't. Ultra-fine particle size, clean dissolution, proven to increase strength, power, and endurance in study after study.† A daily staple for Eddie Hall himself. Creatine works through daily saturation. Take it every day, training day or not. †Consuming at least 3g of creatine daily increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise. Directions Mix 1 scoop (5g) with 250ml to 350ml of water. Consume 1 serving per day. Do not exceed recommended dosage.  Ingredients 100% Micronised Creatine Monohydrate. NET WT. 300g No artificial colours.  Warnings Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  Allergens Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide. Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
A container of Beast Pharm Stimulant Free PUMP Pre-Workout in sour cherry flavor with 30 servings, featuring a black and pink design.PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout
PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout 30 Servings£34.99
Maximum pump. Zero stimulants. Beast Pharm PUMP is built around 8g of pure L-Citrulline per serving, the premium form of citrulline for maximum nitric oxide production and one of the highest doses in any pre-workout on the market.† Alongside Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, CellFlo6™, Pine Bark Extract, and AstraGin® for absorption. No caffeine. No crash. No compromise on the pump. Most stim-free pre-workouts are just underdosed citrulline and a prayer. PUMP is the real thing: built for evening training, stimulant-free days, or anyone who knows the pump is driven by blood flow, not caffeine. Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man. †L-Citrulline at 8g per serving supports nitric oxide production and blood flow to working muscles. Directions Mix 1 scoop (15g) with 250ml to 350ml ofwater. Consume approximately 20-30 minutes prior to workout. Do not consume more one serving in any 24 hour period.  Ingredients L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinesis) (as CellFlo6™), Pine Bark Extract, Astragalus membranaceus Extract (root) & Panax notoginseng Extract (root) (as AstraGin®), Flavouring, Citric Acid, Anti-caking agent (Aerosil®, Sipernat®), Sweetener (Sucralose). NET WT. 450g. No artificial colours.  Warnings Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding.  If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  Allergens Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide. Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
Beast Whey Protein Powder Cookies and Cream Tub 67 Servings Front of LabelBeast Whey Protein Powder Customer Reviews
WHEY Premium Protein Complex 2.01kg 67 Servings£64.99
Premium Whey. Serious Protein. Beast WHEY is a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, using Lactomin, a quality-graded whey source. Each 30g scoop delivers 21g of protein to support muscle growth and recovery.† Protein is the foundation. Beast WHEY gives you a clean, high-quality source of it in six flavours that actually taste like something worth looking forward to after a session. Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man. Available in Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Jammy Biscuit, Banoffee Pie, and Cookies and Cream. †Protein contributes to growth in muscle mass. Directions Mix 1 scoop (30g) to water or milk 20 to 30 minutes post-workout. Alternatively, enjoy at any time for a convenient protein boost without the hassle of meal prep. Ingredients Chocolate Fudge Cake Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Fudge Cake Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum. Strawberry Cheesecake Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Strawberry Cheesecake Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum. Vanilla Ice Cream Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Vanilla Ice Cream Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum. Jammy Biscuit Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Jammy Biscuit Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum. Banoffee Pie Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Banoffee Pie Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum. Cookies and Cream Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Cookies and Cream Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum. NET WEIGHT. 2.01kg Warnings Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.  Allergens For allergens please see the ingredients in bold. Contains milk and soy. Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.  Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.

References

  1. Stastny, P., Gołaś, A., Blazek, D., Maszczyk, A., Wilk, M., Pietraszewski, P., Petr, M., Uhlir, P., & Zając, A. (2017). A systematic review of surface electromyography analyses of the bench press movement task. PLOS ONE, 12(2), e0171632.

This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Always use correct form and consult a qualified coach when learning a new lift.