Incline bench press

Barbell or dumbbells

Inclining the bench to 15–30 degrees shifts work toward the clavicular (upper) fibres of the pectoralis major and the front deltoids.

What each muscle does in the incline bench press

Muscle	Role	Action
Pectoralis major	Primary	Flexes, adducts and medially rotates the arm
Anterior deltoid	Secondary	Flexes and medially rotates the arm at the shoulder
Triceps brachii	Secondary	Extends the elbow; the long head also extends the arm

Primary muscles are the prime movers; secondary muscles assist or stabilise. The balance shifts with grip, stance, range of motion and technique.