Chest Exercises

Chest Muscle Groups

A favorite among many, chest muscles are often the primary focus of many workout programs. One of the most popular of all chest exercises is the bench press. While this is great, the rest of the muscle groups within the chest should not be ignored. Balance is always key to any exercise program. There are 5 designated categories for the chest's muscle groups:

A list of chest exercises:

Bench Press Barbell Image

Bench Press (Barbell)

Bench press is generally thought of as the benchmark for chest strength. Various hand positions may be used to target specific muscles of the chest.

Bench Press Dumbbell Image

Bench Press (Dumbbell)

Dumbbell bench press, which is quite similar to barbell bench press, it a superb chest exercise for working the stabilizers, allow for a full range of motion, and promote full pectoral muscular recruitment.

Bent-Forward Crossovers (Cable) Image

Bent-Forward Crossovers (Cable)

A minor variation on the standing cable crossovers, bent-forward crossovers target the lower aspect of the pectorals more, and require more control and concentration due to the shifted center of gravity caused by the performance stance.

Decline Bench Press (Barbell) Image

Decline Bench Press (Barbell)

Decline bench press is an excellent way to target the lower aspect of the pectorals, as well as the overall pectoral muscle.

Decline Bench Press (Dumbbell) Image

Decline Bench Press (Dumbbell)

Decline bench press with dumbbells is an excellent way to target the lower aspect of the pectorals, as well as the overall pectoral muscle, with additional stabilizer focus.

Dips (Dip Machine) Image

Dips (Dip Machine)

Dips are a classic calisthenics chest/triceps builder that wonderfully blast the lower pectorals and triceps.

Flat Bench Crossover Flys Cable Image

Flat Bench Crossover Flys (Cable)

Much like dumbbell flys, flat bench crossover flys are a good all-around chest exercise that expand the thorax and stretch the pectorals.

Flys Dumbbell Image

Flys (Dumbbell)

Dumbbell flys expand the thorax and stretch the pectorals, offering a full, robust chest workout.

Incline Bench Press (Barbell) Image

Incline Bench Press (Barbell)

The primary focus of incline presses with the barbell is the upper chest but also incorporates use of the triceps.

Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell) Image

Incline Bench Press (Dumbbell)

Incline bench press with dumbbells is an excellent way to target the upper chest (clavicular head of the pectorals).

Incline Flys Dumbbell Image

Incline Flys (Dumbbell)

Never to be executed with heavy weights, incline flys are performed on an incline bench. They expand the thorax while blasting the upper pectorals.

Machine Presses (Vertical)

Machine Presses (Vertical)

Isolating the pectorals, machine presses (vertical) are an alternative to incline or flat bench press which can be especially handy when a spotter is not available.

Pec Deck Flys Machine Image

Pec Deck Flys (Machine)

Pec deck flys is a fantastic chest exercise that allows for focus on the inner and outer chest. These are an ideal exercise to work on defining the chest, whether it is for definition or developing pectoral striations.

Pullovers Barbell Image

Pullovers (Barbell)

Pullovers utilizing a barbell are a unique exercise that--in addition to expanding the rib cage--provide the pectorals, lats, triceps, and serratus (anterior) with an intense workout.

Pullovers (Dumbbell) Image

Pullovers (Dumbbell)

Pullovers utilizing a dumbbell are an interesting exercise that expand the rib cage--they also target the pectorals, lats, triceps, and serratus (anterior), resulting in an intense workout.

Push-Ups (Bosu Ball)

Push-Up (Bosu Ball)

An advanced version of the normal push-up, utilizing a Bosu Ball, one is able to incorporate additional muscle groups into the exercise.

Push-Up Flat Surface Image

Push-Up (Flat Surface)

Push-ups are a classic calisthenics chest/triceps builder with the benefit of not needing any extra equipment.

Push-Up Climbers Flat Surface Image

Push-Up Climbers (Flat Surface)

A variation of the standard push-up, this exercise brings the oblique muscles in as a primary focus.

Squat Thrusts / Up-Downs Dumbbell Image

Squat Thrusts / Up-Downs (Dumbbell)

Squat thrusts / up-downs are a grueling, full-body exercise that work a large array of muscles from your chest to your calves.

Standing Crossover Flys Cable Image

Standing Crossover Flys (Cable)

Crossover flys with cables is a dynamic chest exercise that allows for broad muscular recruitment through the large range of motion and variety of positions it offers. They are particular unique in that they can put substantial focus on the inner chest muscles (the sternal head).

Straight-Armed Flys (Machine) Image

Straight-Armed Flys (Machine)

Straight-armed flys, much like pec dec flys, is a simple chest exercise that allows for broad muscular recruitment through a large range of motion. These are an optimal exercise to work on defining the chest, whether it be toning or developing striations.