Incline Bench Press

• Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mike
  
  By performing the bench press lying on an incline bench set at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees, the upper pectorals and anterior deltoid are emphasized more than in the regular bench press.
  
  

Decline Bench Press

• Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Victoria Garcia
  
  Conversely, by performing the bench press on a decline bench, set between 20 and 40 degrees, the lower pectorals are recruited more than in a regular bench press.
  
  

Close Grip Bench Press

• By bringing in the hand grip, the elbows remain closer to the torso throughout the movement, causing more recruitment of the triceps brachii than in the regular bench press.
  
  

Stabilizing Muscles

• It is important to note that besides the pectorals, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and coracobrachialis, there are additional stabilizing muscles recruited during bench press. The serratus anterior, the trapezius, and the rotator cuff muscles assist in coordination throughout the movement.
  
  

Considerations

• It is beneficial to include the entire variety of bench press exercises in a weight-training program. Consistently shifting muscle emphasis ensures that all musculature is adequately developed.