Cambered bar bench press

Cambered bar, flat bench

Also called cambered bar press, swiss bar bench press

Press a cambered bar from a flat bench; the bend lets you lower the bar past chest level for a deeper stretch.

Movement

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Upper body

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better4.0
Very good; among the better picks for the muscle. 2 sources.
- 4/5 Reliably leaves his pecs sore the next day; one of his go-to chest exercises. Renaissance Periodization, There IS a Best Chest Exercise (For You) @ 7:09videoExpert opinion2026checked by AI
- 4/5 Underrated chest lift because the deep stretch produces a large growth stimulus, though you cannot lift as heavy; sets of 10 to 15 work best. Renaissance Periodization, The Most UNDERRATED Exercises For Every Body Part @ 0:30videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
Loaded stretch higher is better5.0
Peak tension at a deep stretch. 2 sources.
- 5/5 Lets you lower far below the chest for a massive stretch with a pause at the bottom. Renaissance Periodization, The Most UNDERRATED Exercises For Every Body Part @ 0:30videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
- 5/5 Demanding eccentric and ultra-deep stretch make it a heavy-duty chest tool, best used once well adapted rather than early after a rest phase. Renaissance Periodization, Machines vs Free Weights: Which Is Best For Muscle Growth? @ 10:07videoExpert opinion2023checked by AI