1. Incline Walking/Jogging

Walking or jogging on a treadmill set on an incline setting.

• More functional, as it trains the body to not always be on a level surface.
• Better for working the hamstrings and glutes.
• If you are focusing on calories burned, this will burn more.
• Activates more muscles.
• When starting out try a lower incline and build to a higher one, as some people may experience some lower back pain if this is already a problem.

2. Incline Barbell Press

Bench presses using a barbell with the bench set to an incline.

• Focuses more of the workout on the upper pecs, which can sometimes be neglected.
• Activates the shoulders more.
• If you suffer from shoulder pain during this exercise try decline pushups instead, this will free up the space for your shoulder blades while addressing the same muscles.
• Don't neglect standard barbell bench presses though, doing only inclines will overdevelop the upper pec exclusively.

3. Incline Cable Fly

Cable flies done from a bench set at an incline.

• Cables will provide you with a fluid movement while moving through your range of motion.
• Works the pec muscles simultaneously with the delts.
• Provides a significant stretch of the muscles as well.

• To ensure you are not putting too much of the work on the delts actively engage your pecs and squeeze your chest as your arms are above you.

4. Incline T Curls

Dumbbell curls from a T position on a bench set at an incline.

• Works the whole bicep muscle.
• Provides a deeper stretch of the bicep muscle.
• Increases the workout by putting your arm in a position you will have to work harder to lift the weight.
• Because the angle puts more strain on your joints start with lesser weight than you may use with traditional curls.