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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.

Barbell Reverse-Grip Bench Press

Barbell Reverse-Grip Bench Press

The Barbell Reverse-Grip Bench Press is a variation of the traditional bench press that targets upper-body strength in a unique way. The reverse grip activates your muscles differently, which may lead to improved muscle growth and strength. Execution Lie on a flat bench with your feet firmly on

Chest Strength Training
Barbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

Barbell Wide-Grip Bench Press

The Barbell Wide-Grip Bench Press is a variation of the traditional bench press that focuses on making your chest muscles wider. By holding the bar with a wider grip, you place more emphasis on the outer chest and less on the triceps. Execution Lie on a flat bench with your feet firmly on the fl

Chest Strength Training
Bayesian Fly

Bayesian Fly

So-called fly exercises are popular exercises for isolating the chest muscles as much as possible. The main function during this exercise is pulling the upper arms forward using the pectoralis major. Because the arms maintain the same curve throughout the movement, the triceps are required much less

Chest Cardio
Behind-the-Neck Resistance Band Press

Behind-the-Neck Resistance Band Press

The behind-the-neck press with a resistance band is an exercise for strengthening the shoulders and upper back. This variation provides resistance that differs from free weights, challenging the muscles in a different way. Execution Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place the resista

Shoulders Strength Training
Bench Dip (Knees Bent)

Bench Dip (Knees Bent)

The Bench Dip with bent knees is an effective exercise for improving upper-body strength and tone, particularly in the triceps, shoulders, and chest muscles. This variation is ideal for beginners or those who want to reduce the intensity of the traditional bench dip. Execution Find a stable benc

Triceps Strength Training
Bench Dip Hold

Bench Dip Hold

The Bench Dip Hold is a powerful exercise that targets your triceps, shoulders, and chest. This exercise is unique because holding the position at the end of the dip improves your stability and endurance. Execution Find a stable bench or platform where you can place your hands. Sit on the edge

Triceps Strength Training
Bench Dip on Floor

Bench Dip on Floor

The Bench Dip on Floor is an effective exercise that engages your triceps, shoulders, and chest muscles. The great thing about this exercise is that you do not need any special equipment, just your own body weight. This makes it a perfect exercise to do at home. Execution Sit on the floor with y

Triceps Strength Training
Bench Press

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 anterior shoulder muscles

Chest Strength Training
Bench Press

Bench Press

The bench press is a classic strength exercise that focuses on strengthening your upper body. It is an effective way to build muscle mass and increase strength in the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Execution Lie on your back on a flat bench and place your feet firmly on the floor. Grip the bar

Chest Strength Training
Bench Triceps Dip Leg Curls

Bench Triceps Dip Leg Curls

The Bench Triceps Dip Leg Curl is a unique combination exercise that targets the triceps and hamstrings. This exercise offers an efficient way to work multiple muscle groups at the same time, saving you time during your workout. Execution Find a stable bench or platform where you can place your

Triceps Strength Training
Bench Triceps Dip with Straight Legs

Bench Triceps Dip with Straight Legs

The bench triceps dip with straight legs is a challenging exercise that targets the triceps while also engaging other muscle groups. This variation of the triceps dip helps build strength and definition in your arms and upper body while also improving core stability. Execution Find a stable benc

Triceps Strength Training
Bent Over One Arm Cable Chest Press

Bent Over One Arm Cable Chest Press

The Bent Over One Arm Cable Chest Press is an effective exercise for training the chest muscles in a unique way. Using a cable machine keeps constant tension on the muscles, providing an intense workout. Execution Set the cable machine to chest height and attach a single handle. Stand faci

Chest Strength Training
Bent-Arm Chest Stretch

Bent-Arm Chest Stretch

The Bent-Arm Chest Stretch is an effective exercise for stretching the chest muscles and improving shoulder flexibility. This stretch helps reduce muscle tension and may improve posture by opening the chest muscles, which is especially useful if you spend a lot of time at a desk. Instructions St

Chest Stretching
Biceps Push-Up

Biceps Push-Up

The Biceps Push-Up is a variation of the classic push-up that focuses more on the biceps. This exercise is ideal if you want to strengthen your upper arms while also working your chest and shoulders. Execution Begin in a standard push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-widt

Biceps Strength Training
Body-Up

Body-Up

The Body-Up is a dynamic exercise that combines strength, stability, and coordination. This exercise is unique because it challenges your entire body while also strengthening your core muscles. Execution: Begin in a standard push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Push yourself

Chest Strength Training
Bodyweight Front Slam

Bodyweight Front Slam

The Bodyweight Front Slam is a dynamic exercise that helps improve your strength, speed, and coordination. This exercise simulates powerfully slamming a heavy object into the ground, but without using additional weights. It is a unique way to train your entire body, with a focus on explosiveness. E

Shoulders Strength Training
Bodyweight Kneeling Push-Up Row

Bodyweight Kneeling Push-Up Row

The Bodyweight Kneeling Push-Up Row is a versatile exercise that combines strength and stability. This exercise is unique because it trains both your upper body and core without requiring weights. Execution Begin on your knees with your hands flat on the floor, slightly wider than shoulder-width

Chest Strength Training
Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap

Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap

The Bodyweight Kneeling to Hand Tap is a dynamic exercise that helps improve core stability, balance, and coordination. This exercise requires no equipment and can be performed anywhere, making it an excellent choice for home workouts or as part of a warm-up routine. Instructions Begin on your

Chest Strength Training
Bodyweight Standing Fly

Bodyweight Standing Fly

The Bodyweight Standing Fly is an effective exercise that targets strengthening and toning your chest muscles without requiring weights or machines. This exercise uses your own body weight as resistance, making it an accessible option for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Execution Begin wi

Chest Strength Training
Bodyweight Standing Triangle Fly

Bodyweight Standing Triangle Fly

The Bodyweight Standing Triangle Fly is an effective exercise that targets strengthening your upper body without using weights. This exercise is unique because it allows you to train your chest muscles, shoulders, and arms using nothing but your own body weight, making it an excellent choice for hom

Chest Strength Training
Bodyweight Svend Press

Bodyweight Svend Press

If you're looking for an effective way to train your chest muscles without using weights, the Bodyweight Svend Press is an excellent choice. This exercise uses the resistance of your own body weight to strengthen your chest muscles, shoulders, and triceps. What makes this exercise unique is that you

Chest Strength Training
Bridge Dumbbell Press

Bridge Dumbbell Press

The Bridge Dumbbell Press combines the benefits of a bridge exercise with those of a dumbbell press. This exercise is ideal for strengthening your core, glutes, and chest muscles while also working on your stability and balance. Execution Lie on your back on a fitness mat with your knees bent an

Chest Strength Training
Butterfly Machine

Butterfly Machine

The Butterfly Machine is a popular exercise aimed at strengthening and defining the chest muscles. What makes this exercise unique is that it provides a controlled movement that helps isolate the chest muscles, giving you an effective workout without unnecessary strain on other muscle groups. Execu

Chest Strength Training
Cable Bench Fly Press

Cable Bench Fly Press

The Cable Bench Fly Press is a dynamic exercise that takes the strength and flexibility of your chest muscles to the next level. By combining fly and press movements, you get the best of both worlds: stretching and contracting the chest muscles, leading to comprehensive muscle development. Executio

Chest Strength Training