“The Godfather of Bodybuilding” Charles Glass believes it’s time to ditch the flat bench press. In a recent Instagram post (November 6, 2026), he broke down why a 15-degree incline bench press is safer and more effective long-term, as it targets the whole chest and keeps the tendons safe.
Charles Glass is royalty among the bodybuilding community. For decades, he’s guided average gym-goers and elite IFBB Pros, including the late Shawn Rhoden, Dennis James, and former 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter Jackson. Additionally, he’s helped actors get screen-ready physiques, like Wesley Snipes and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
A big chest remains one of the most sought-after goals in fitness. This led Glass to unpack a specific angle he swears by for overall development. He’s adamant that avoiding flat bench pressing altogether is wise given how vulnerable it leaves the tendons and joints.
Charles Glass Says 15-Degree Incline Angle Beats Flat Bench for Overall Chest Development
In the recent Instagram reel, Glass emphasized that a slight incline is best for chest development. He said 15 degrees is all you need to target the whole chest and avoid pec tears:
“The best angle to hit the chest for what most are trying to achieve with flat is actually with a slight incline. Not so far that you’re targeting the upper chest, but enough that your tendons will be safe and the angle targets the whole chest.”
“Flat… you can tear easy. Slight incline like that, you won’t ever tear,” explained Charles Glass. “No [don’t go all the way flat], too much pressure on the joint. The tendons will snap. Yeah [15 degrees]. That way you don’t put the pressure on the joint because it’ll tear right away.”
Charles Glass isn’t the only high-profile name to speak out against flat bench pressing. Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler went as far as to call it the ‘worst exercise.’ He was extremely cautious about muscle tears:
“Once I started to financially support myself through bodybuilding, I couldn’t take the chance of a flat bench because everyone I know that’s done a flat bench has torn their pec on the bench press.”
Bodybuilding icon Lee Labrada has also discussed bench pressing challenges. To protect the shoulder and rotator cuff, he offered a key warm-up routine that’s helped him before intense sessions.
Ultimately, Glass believes a 15-degree incline can make a substantial difference when it comes to tendon stress. He emphasized that his angle also targets the entire chest for balanced development.
RELATED: Charles Glass Shows How to Master Dumbbell Upright Rows With Minimal Trap Activation
