Guillotine Press
Chest • Gym • Advanced
- Muscle Group: Chest
- Training Type: Compound
- Equipment: Barbell, Flat Bench
- Difficulty: Advanced
Exercise Overview
The guillotine press is a bench press variation that emphasizes the upper chest by lowering the bar toward the neck instead of the mid-chest. This altered bar path increases chest stretch and activation but requires strict control and lighter loads to reduce shoulder strain.
How To Do It
1. Setup
Lie flat on a bench and grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width. Keep feet planted firmly on the floor and shoulders retracted.
2. Starting Position
Unrack the bar above your chest with arms extended. Maintain a lifted chest and keep the shoulder blades pulled back.
3. Execution
Lower the bar slowly toward the upper chest or neck area, keeping elbows slightly flared and movement controlled.
4. Return
Press the bar upward in a smooth motion, stopping just short of lockout to maintain tension on the chest.