- Set a barbell in a weight rack at the low end of a decline bench, making sure it is at a height you can reach without fully extending your arms.
- Secure your feet under the stirrup, bar or strap at the high end of the bench and lie flat on your back with the rack slightly behind you.
- Using an overhand grip, grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than your shoulder width apart.
- Push up to lift the bar from the rack and hold it directly over you with your arms locked.
- Bend your elbows to slowly lower the barbell until it slightly touches your chest, inhaling as you do so.
- Drive the weight back up by contracting your pec muscles and return to the start position, exhaling as you do so.
- At the top of the movement, lock your arms and squeeze your chest muscles.
If you are new at this exercise, you should use a spotter. If no spotter is available, then be conservative with the amount of weight used. Do not let the bar drift too far forward, it should touch down your lower chest only. Don't bounce the weight off your chest. Keep full control of the barbell at all times. When performing this exercise, use a 2:1:1 count. That is a count of two on the downward movement. Pause for a count of one. A count of one one the upward movement. You can also use dumbbells or exercise bands to perform this exercise.