Barbell Pause Incline Bench Press

The incline bench press with a still pause under the collarbones, so every rep starts from a dead stop.

How to do it

Setup

Incline at 30–45°, grip a little wider than the shoulders, blades pinched.

Steps

Lower the bar to the top of the chest, under the collarbones.
Hold it there, still, for a beat.
Drive the bar up from the dead stop to lockout.

Common mistakes

Touching down on the belly: the incline moves the touch up to the collarbones. Losing the blade pinch during the stop: keep the upper back set. Bar sinking in the pause: it rests; you stay tight.

Breathing

Inhale down, exhale pressing from the pause.