Definition

1. Noun:
   • A weightlifting exercise: A compound exercise performed by lying supine on a bench and pushing a weight upward from the chest until the arms are fully extended.
   • A type of machine: A small, bench-mounted punch press used in metalworking.

Usage

• Noun (Exercise):
  • The bench press is a fundamental exercise for developing chest, shoulder, and triceps strength.
  • He increased his maximum bench press by 20 pounds over the summer.
• Noun (Machine):
  • The machinist used the bench press to stamp the metal part.

Advanced Usage

• "To bench press" (verb): The act of performing the bench press exercise.
  • She can bench press more than her body weight.
• "One-rep max (1RM) bench press": The maximum amount of weight one can lift for a single repetition of the exercise.
  • His goal is to achieve a 300-pound one-rep max bench press.

Variants and Related Words

• Bench pressing (gerund/noun): The activity of performing the bench press exercise.
  • Bench pressing requires proper form to avoid injury.
• Incline bench press / Decline bench press: Variations of the exercise performed on a bench set at an angle, targeting slightly different areas of the chest muscles.

Synonyms

• Chest press: A similar exercise, often used to describe the movement on a gym machine rather than with free weights.

Related Phrases

• Flat bench press: The standard version of the exercise performed on a horizontal bench.
• Close-grip bench press: A variation where the hands are placed closer together on the bar, emphasizing the triceps muscles.

Noun

1. a small punch press mounted on a workbench
2. a weightlift in which you lie on your back on a bench and press weights upward