Most shoulder press machines are set at a slight incline, which results in an upper pec activation. Many lifters report greater upper chest stimulation while performing the machine shoulder press while lifting relatively heavier.

Setting the bench at a 15-30% incline can reduce the stress on the rotator cuff, which is a common area for injury during the flat bench press. This makes the incline bench press a safer option for individuals who may have shoulder issues or want to reduce the risk of shoulder injuries.