Which muscle group primarily works during a bench press?

During a bench press, the primary muscle group that is targeted is the pectorals, which are the major muscles located in the chest. The bench press is designed to emphasize the pressing movement that occurs mainly in the horizontal plane, where the arms extend from the shoulder joint. This action primarily engages the pectoralis major and minor muscles, which play a crucial role in pushing the barbell away from the chest during the exercise.

While the deltoids, particularly the anterior deltoids, do assist in this movement by aiding shoulder flexion and stabilization of the shoulder joint, the bench press is specifically known for its effect on the chest muscles. The quadriceps and hamstrings are primarily engaged during lower body movements, such as squats or deadlifts, and do not significantly contribute to the bench press. Thus, the focus on the pectorals reflects the nature of the exercise and its design to enhance chest strength and musculature.