The bench press is a compound exercise that works several different muscles in the upper body, including the chest, shoulders, and arms. The primary muscles worked during a bench press are:
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Pectoralis major and minor: These are the chest muscles and are responsible for doing the most work during the bench press.
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Anterior deltoids: These are the front shoulder muscles and help the arms move forward.
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Triceps brachii: These are the muscles on the back of the upper arm and are responsible for extending the elbow during the bench press.
Other muscles that are worked during the bench press include the biceps, serratus anterior, upper back muscles, forearms, and lats. The exact muscles worked can vary slightly depending on the variation of the bench press being performed. For example, a narrower grip bench press will put extra emphasis on the triceps and forearms.
Its important to note that while the bench press is a great exercise for building upper body strength, it should be done with proper form and guidance to prevent injury.