The incline bench press primarily works the upper portion of the pectoral muscles (upper pecs) and the front deltoids, along with the triceps. When the bench is set at an incline, typically between 15 to 30 degrees, it activates the shoulders more, similar to a shoulder press. The incline bench press also puts less stress on the rotator cuff compared to the flat bench press, making it a suitable exercise for those with shoulder issues. However, its important to note that the incline bench press may develop the upper pecs more, while the flat bench press tends to build mass over the entire pectoral area. The incline bench press is a mixture of the regular bench press and the overhead press, targeting both the front deltoids and the upper portions of the chest muscles.
In summary, the incline bench press primarily targets the following muscles:
- Upper portion of the pectoral muscles (upper pecs)
- Front deltoids
- Triceps
