How to Do Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin

Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin — start position demonstration photo
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Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin — end position demonstration photo
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Start and end of one clean rep of Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin.

Quick facts

Primary muscleTriceps
Secondary muscles—
EquipmentBarbell
CategoryStrength

How to perform Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin

  1. While holding a barbell or EZ Curl bar with a pronated grip (palms facing forward), lie on your back on a flat bench with your head off the end of the bench. Tip: If you are holding a barbell grab it using a shoulder-width grip and if you are using an E-Z Bar grab it on the inner handles.
  2. Extend your arms in front of you as you hold the barbell over your chest. The arms should be perpendicular to your torso (90-degree angle). This will be your starting position.
  3. As you inhale, lower the bar in a semi-circular motion by bending at the elbows and while keeping the upper arm stationary and elbows in. Keep lowering the bar until it lightly touches your chin.
  4. As you exhale bring the bar back up to the starting position by pushing the bar up in a semi-circular motion. Contract the triceps hard at the top of the movement for a second. Tip: Again, only the forearms should move. The upper arms should remain stationary at all times.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

  • Triceps (primary): straightens the elbow to lock out every press and pushdown.

Sets & reps by goal

GoalSets × repsLoadRest
Strength3–5 × 3–5Heavy (~85%+)2–3 min
Hypertrophy3–4 × 8–12Moderate (~65–75%)60–90 s
Endurance2–3 × 15–20Lighter (~50–60%)30–45 s

Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.

Form tips

  • Fix the elbows in place and let only the forearms move, keeping the load on the triceps.
  • Keep the bar path close and stacked over your mid-foot; letting it drift forward wastes force and loads the lower back.
  • Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
  • Warm up the pattern with a couple of lighter, submaximal sets before your working sets.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the elbows flare and drift forward so the shoulders quietly take over.
  • Loading the bar heavier than your form allows and turning strict reps into a whole-body heave.
  • Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin work?

Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin is a focused movement that primarily works the triceps.

What equipment do I need for Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin?

Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin needs a barbell and plates (plus a rack or bench where the movement calls for one).

How many sets and reps should I do for Lying Close-Grip Barbell Triceps Press To Chin?

It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.

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