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Chest Exercises: Presses, Push-Ups and More

Explore chest exercises with barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines and body weight, with practical guidance for controlled, effective training.

Chest exercises train the muscles across the front of the upper body through pushing patterns such as presses and push-ups.

About chest exercises

This category includes chest movements using barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines, and body weight. The setup and resistance vary: a bench press requires a stable bench and controlled bar path, while push-ups use your body as the load. Adjust bench angle, grip, and resistance to suit your experience and the exercise you are performing.

Practical technique

Keep your shoulder blades controlled, lower the weight smoothly, and avoid letting the elbows flare without control. Use a load that allows a stable range of motion and consistent technique. For heavy pressing, use a spotter or safety arms where appropriate; stop if you feel sharp pain and seek qualified coaching if your setup is uncertain.

Side Push-Up

Side Push-Up

The Side Push-Up is a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on strengthening your obliques, shoulders, and triceps. This exercise offers a unique way to train your upper body by using a different angle, providing a challenging and effective workout. Execution Lie on your side on the

Chest Strength Training
Side Shoulder Stretch With Chest Opener

Side Shoulder Stretch With Chest Opener

The Side Shoulder Stretch With Chest Opener is an effective exercise that targets stretching the shoulders and opening the chest. This exercise is ideal for improving posture and relieving tension in the upper back and shoulders, especially if you spend a lot of time at a desk. Execution Begin i

Shoulders Stretching
Side-Lying Chest Openers

Side-Lying Chest Openers

Side-Lying Chest Openers are a fantastic exercise for stretching and strengthening the chest muscles, shoulders, and muscles around the rib cage. This exercise not only helps improve posture but also promotes flexibility and mobility in the upper body. Execution Lie on your side with your legs s

Chest Stretching
Side-to-Side Push-Up

Side-to-Side Push-Up

The Side-to-Side Push-Up is a dynamic variation of the classic push-up that challenges not only your chest muscles but also places additional focus on your shoulders, triceps, and core stability. By moving sideways, you introduce a unique element that forces your body to adapt and stabilize, leading

Chest Strength Training
Single-Arm Cable Crossover

Single-Arm Cable Crossover

Introduction: The Single-Arm Cable Crossover is an effective exercise for isolating the chest muscles. Using one arm at a time helps improve muscle balance and focuses on upper-body stability. Execution: Begin by setting the cable machine to a high position. Grip the handle with one hand while faci

Chest Strength Training
Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

The Single-Arm Dumbbell Wide-Grip Bench Press is a variation of the traditional bench press that focuses on isolating the chest muscles, with particular emphasis on the outer chest. This exercise offers a unique way to address muscle imbalances and improve shoulder stability. Execution Lie on a

Chest Strength Training
Single-Leg Decline Push-Up

Single-Leg Decline Push-Up

The push-up is a well-known compound exercise for the upper body and core muscles. Because of the plank position, the muscles in the lower back, glutes, and legs (especially the hamstrings) must work to keep the back and legs aligned. These muscles therefore mainly have a stabilizing function, as th

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Bench Press

Smith Machine Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and front deltoids are engaged

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Bench Press

Smith Machine Bench Press

The Smith Machine Bench Press is a popular strength exercise that focuses on strengthening the chest muscles. The unique advantage of this exercise is the stability provided by the Smith Machine, allowing you to concentrate more on the muscles without worrying about balance. Execution Set up t

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

Smith Machine Decline Bench Press

The Smith Machine Decline Bench Press is a powerful exercise designed to strengthen your chest muscles. The declined angle of the bench primarily targets the lower parts of your chest muscles, contributing to overall chest development. Execution Set the bench to a declined position under the S

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Decline Press

Smith Machine Decline Press

The Smith Machine Decline Press is a powerful exercise that targets the lower part of your chest muscles. The angle of the exercise challenges your muscles in a unique way, which can lead to better definition and strength. Execution Set the bench to a decline position and place it under the Smit

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

Smith Machine Flat Bench Press

The Smith Machine Flat Bench Press is a powerful exercise for developing your chest muscles. This exercise provides stability and focus on the chest, allowing you to work on muscle growth and strength with precision. Execution Set the bench in the Smith Machine to a flat position. Lie on the b

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing', is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is also one of the three powerlifting exercises (alongside the squat and deadlift). It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and the front of the shoulder

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is an effective strength exercise that targets the upper chest muscles. The incline angle also engages the shoulders and triceps, making this exercise an excellent choice for building a strong upper body. Execution Set the bench to an angle of approximatel

Chest Strength Training
Smith Machine Incline Press

Smith Machine Incline Press

If you are looking for an effective way to train your upper body, the Smith Machine Incline Press is an excellent choice. This exercise combines the benefits of stability with the ability to lift heavy, challenging your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps in a unique way. Execution Set the ben

Chest Strength Training
Snow Angels

Snow Angels

The Snow Angels exercise is an effective way to train your upper body, focusing on the shoulders, upper back, and core. This exercise, named for its resemblance to making angel wings in the snow, offers a unique combination of muscle activation and mobility training without requiring weights. Execu

Chest Strength Training
Staggered Push-Ups

Staggered Push-Ups

Staggered push-ups are a dynamic variation of the classic push-up. This exercise challenges you with an uneven hand position, training your muscles in a unique way. It is an excellent way to improve upper-body and core stability. Execution Begin in a standard push-up position with your hands sli

Chest Strength Training
Standard Push-Up

Standard Push-Up

The standard push-up is a classic exercise that has been used for decades to build strength and endurance. It is a versatile exercise that you can do almost anywhere and that trains multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Execution Begin in a plank position with your hands on the floor slightly w

Chest Strength Training
Standing Cable Chest Press

Standing Cable Chest Press

Introduction: The Standing Cable Chest Press is an effective strength exercise that targets the chest muscles while also engaging the shoulders and triceps. This exercise offers a unique variation compared with the traditional bench press because you perform it standing, which requires greater core

Chest Strength Training
Standing Dumbbell Press

Standing Dumbbell Press

The Standing Dumbbell Press is an effective exercise for strengthening your upper body, particularly your shoulders and arms. This exercise not only helps build muscle mass but also improves your stability and coordination because you perform it standing. Execution Stand with your feet shoulde

Shoulders Strength Training
Standing Dumbbell Upper Chest Fly

Standing Dumbbell Upper Chest Fly

Introduction: The Standing Dumbbell Upper Chest Fly is an effective exercise for strengthening the upper chest muscles. This exercise not only helps build muscle mass, but also improves chest definition through targeted activation of the upper pecs. Execution: Begin by selecting a pair of dumbbells

Chest Strength Training
Standing One Arm Chest Stretch

Standing One Arm Chest Stretch

The Standing One Arm Chest Stretch is a simple yet effective exercise for stretching the chest muscles. This stretch helps improve flexibility and may reduce tension in the chest and shoulders, which is especially useful if you sit a lot or perform physical activities. Instructions Stand upright

Chest Stretching
Supine Push-Up

Supine Push-Up

The Supine Push-Up is an effective exercise that targets upper-body strength, with a particular focus on the chest muscles, triceps, and shoulders. This exercise is unique because you perform it lying down, creating different dynamics from the traditional push-up. Execution Lie on your back on a

Chest Strength Training
Svend Press Decline Bench

Svend Press Decline Bench

The Svend Press on a decline bench is a unique exercise that focuses on developing your chest muscles, with special emphasis on the lower chest. This exercise combines the benefits of the traditional Svend Press with the added intensity of using a decline bench, challenging your chest muscles in a n

Chest Strength Training