Lever Tower Chest Press

Muscles worked

Setup

1. Position a flat bench centered between the lever arms of the tower.
2. Adjust the bench or the lever starting height so the handles align with your mid-to-lower chest.
3. Load the desired weight plates onto the lever arms evenly.
4. Lie flat on the bench with your feet planted firmly on the floor and grasp the handles with a shoulder-width overhand grip.

How to do it

1. Exhale as you drive the handles upward by extending your arms, focusing on pushing through the base of your palms.
2. Push until your arms are nearly straight, but avoid locking out your elbows to maintain tension on the chest.
3. Inhale as you lower the weight back toward your chest with a controlled 2-3 second eccentric tempo.
4. Lower the handles until you feel a comfortable stretch in your pectorals before starting the next repetition.

Form checklist

• Keep your shoulder blades retracted and pressed firmly into the bench throughout the set.
• Maintain a 45-degree angle between your elbows and your torso to protect the shoulder joints.
• Keep your wrists neutral and stacked directly over your elbows.
• Ensure your lower back maintains its natural arch without excessively lifting off the bench.

Pro tips

• Focus on the 'mind-muscle connection' by imagining you are trying to bring your biceps together at the top of the movement.
• Pause for one second at the bottom of the rep to eliminate momentum and force the chest to do the work from a dead stop.

Make it harder

• Perform the exercise unilaterally (one arm at a time) to increase core stabilization and correct muscle imbalances.
• Incorporate 'rest-pause' sets by reaching failure, resting for 15 seconds, and then performing as many additional reps as possible.

Frequently asked

What muscles does the lever tower chest press work?

The lever tower chest press primarily targets the pectorals, and also works the abs and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for the lever tower chest press?

The lever tower chest press uses leverage machine.

Is the lever tower chest press good for beginners?

The lever tower chest press is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.

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