Guillotine Press
Build upper chest strength and pressing power with controlled pushing mechanics.
Primary Muscle
Upper Chest
Secondary Muscles
Front Delts
Difficulty
Advanced
Equipment
Barbell, Bench
Primary
Upper Chest
Equipment
Barbell, Bench
Level
Advanced
Exercise Overview
Build upper chest strength and pressing power with controlled pushing mechanics.
Muscles Worked
Primary
Secondary
Why Perform This Exercise?
- Builds pressing strength for bench and push movements
- Develops chest, shoulder, and triceps coordination
- Supports upper-body hypertrophy and power
- Transfers to sports and daily pushing tasks
Equipment Required
Required
Barbell, Bench
Alternative Equipment
Technique
- 1.Set shoulders down and back with feet planted and core braced.
- 2.Lower the load under control to a consistent chest or shoulder depth.
- 3.Drive through the chest and triceps to complete each rep.
- 4.Maintain a stable bar path without bouncing at the bottom.
Coaching Cues
Key Cue
Keep shoulder blades pinned back and down while you press.
Focus on one cue at a time until the movement feels automatic.
Common Mistakes
- Flaring elbows excessively
- Bouncing the bar off the chest
- Losing shoulder blade position
Progression Example
RAMM automatically adjusts future targets based on what you complete in each workout — including per-day goals when the same exercise appears on different training days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does Guillotine Press work?
Guillotine Press primarily targets Upper Chest. Secondary emphasis includes Front Delts. This compound movement uses a horizontal push pattern, making it effective for building strength and control in those muscle groups when programmed with consistent technique.
Is Guillotine Press good for beginners?
Guillotine Press is rated Advanced difficulty. It is best for trainees with solid core control and experience. Beginners should progress toward it with simpler variations first. Use controlled reps and stop before form breaks down.
How many sets should I perform for Guillotine Press?
Most programs use 3–4 working sets of 8–15 reps depending on goal. Rest 2–3 minutes between sets for heavy work. RAMM adjusts future targets based on what you actually complete in each workout.
Can I do Guillotine Press at home?
Guillotine Press typically requires Barbell, Bench. At home you may need substitute equipment or a gym setup, unless you have the listed gear available.