FITsociety IO
Book a demo

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.

Decline Pike Push-Up

Decline Pike Push-Up

The pike push-up falls somewhere between a shoulder press and a push-up as an exercise. In other words, between a handstand push-up and a regular push-up. A handstand push-up is essentially a shoulder press using body weight as resistance. The adjusted angle therefore places more emphasis on the sho

Shoulders Strength Training
Decline Push-Up

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
Decline Push-Up

Decline Push-Up

The decline push-up is a variation of the classic push-up that focuses on training your upper body more intensely. By placing your feet on an elevated surface, you increase the difficulty and place more emphasis on the upper chest muscles and shoulders. Execution Find a stable elevated surface,

Chest Strength Training
Decline Push-Up Against Wall

Decline Push-Up Against Wall

The Decline Push-Up Against Wall is a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on strengthening your upper body from a unique angle. By positioning your feet higher than your hands, you increase the intensity and focus on the upper chest muscles and shoulders. Execution Find a stable wa

Chest Strength Training
Decline Push-Up on Stability Ball

Decline Push-Up on Stability Ball

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
Decline Push-Ups

Decline Push-Ups

Decline push-ups are a variation of the traditional push-up in which your feet are elevated. This provides a more intense workout for the upper chest muscles and shoulders. Execution Find a stable surface on which you can place your feet, such as a bench or a step. Place your hands on the floo

Chest Strength Training
Deep Push-Up

Deep Push-Up

The Deep Push-Up is an intense variation of the classic push-up that further challenges your chest muscles, triceps, and shoulders. By increasing the depth of the movement, you stimulate the muscles in a unique way, which can lead to improved strength and muscle definition. Execution Begin in th

Chest Strength Training
Depth Push-Up

Depth 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 stabilising function, as the

Chest Strength Training
Diamond Push-Up

Diamond Push-Up

The Diamond Push-Up is a variation of the classic push-up that focuses on training your triceps and the inner chest more intensely. By changing your hand position, you can add a unique challenge to your workout routine. Execution Begin in a plank position with your hands under your chest, but pl

Triceps Strength Training
Diamond Push-Up

Diamond Push-Up

The diamond push-up is a variation of the classic push-up that focuses on training your triceps and the inner chest more intensely. By changing your hand position, you can add a unique challenge to your workout routine. Execution Begin in a standard push-up position, but bring your hands togethe

Chest Strength Training
Diamond Push-Up (On Knees)

Diamond Push-Up (On Knees)

The Diamond Push-Up (On Knees) is a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on strengthening your upper body, with an emphasis on the triceps and chest muscles. Performing this exercise on your knees reduces the intensity, making it an excellent option for beginners or as part of a recover

Triceps Strength Training
Diamond Push-Ups

Diamond Push-Ups

Diamond push-ups are a powerful variation of the traditional push-up, in which your hands are placed close together on the floor, creating a diamond shape. This exercise targets the triceps, chest, and front shoulder muscles, providing an intense workout using only your body weight. Execution Be

Chest Strength Training
Diamond Push-Ups

Diamond Push-Ups

Introduction: Diamond push-ups are a variation of the classic push-up that targets the triceps and the inner chest. By placing your hands close together in a diamond shape, you increase the intensity of the exercise. Execution: Begin in a plank position with your hands under your chest, fingers poi

Chest Strength Training
Diamond Push-Ups on Knees

Diamond Push-Ups on Knees

Diamond push-ups on your knees are a fantastic variation of the traditional push-up. This exercise primarily targets the triceps, but your chest muscles and the fronts of your shoulders also work hard. What makes this exercise unique is the hand position, which helps isolate the triceps further. Ex

Chest Strength Training
Diamond Push-Ups with Elbows Out

Diamond Push-Ups with Elbows Out

Diamond push-ups with the elbows out are a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses on training the chest muscles, triceps, and anterior deltoids more intensely. This exercise offers a unique challenge through the position of the hands, activating the muscles in a different way. Execution

Chest Strength Training
Dips Between Chairs

Dips Between Chairs

Dips between chairs is an effective exercise that you can do using everyday objects in your home. This exercise is unique because it allows you to train your upper body without having to go to the gym. It primarily targets your triceps, but your chest and shoulders also get a good workout. Executio

Triceps Strength Training
Dips Machine

Dips Machine

Introduction: Machine dips are a fantastic exercise for strengthening your upper body. This exercise primarily targets your triceps, but your chest and shoulders are also trained. Using a machine provides extra stability and allows you to adjust the resistance to your level. Execution: 1. Sit on t

Triceps Strength Training
Double Bench Tricep Dips

Double Bench Tricep Dips

Double Bench Tricep Dips is a powerful exercise that targets the triceps while also challenging other parts of your upper body. This exercise uses two benches, giving you a greater range of movement and allowing you to train your muscles in a unique way. Execution Find two sturdy benches and pla

Triceps Strength Training
Dumbbell Alternate Bench Press (High Start)

Dumbbell Alternate Bench Press (High Start)

The Dumbbell Alternate Bench Press with a high start is a dynamic upper-body strength exercise. This variation of the traditional bench press emphasizes muscle stabilization by alternately moving each arm, providing a unique challenge and benefits. Execution Begin by placing a bench in a flat po

Chest Strength Training
Dumbbell Alternate Side Press

Dumbbell Alternate Side Press

The Dumbbell Alternate Side Press is a dynamic exercise that focuses on strengthening your shoulders and improving your stability. Through the unique lateral movement, you train not only your muscles but also improve your coordination and balance. Execution Start by standing in a stable position

Chest Strength Training
Dumbbell Around Pullover

Dumbbell Around Pullover

The Dumbbell Around Pullover is a versatile exercise that targets several muscle groups in your upper body. This exercise is unique because it trains not only your chest and back muscles but also engages your shoulders, triceps, and even your abdominal muscles to some extent. Execution Lie on yo

Chest Strength Training
Dumbbell Bench Press

Dumbbell Bench Press

The bench press, or 'bench pressing,' is one of the most popular exercises in strength training. It is a compound exercise that engages several large muscle groups. The chest muscles and the front of the shoulders are engaged to pull the upper arm forward and inward. The triceps are engaged to exten

Chest Strength Training
Dumbbell Bench Press

Dumbbell Bench Press

The Dumbbell Bench Press is a popular strength exercise that targets the chest muscles, triceps, and shoulders. The unique advantage of this exercise is that dumbbells allow a greater range of movement than a barbell, which can lead to better muscle activation and development. Execution Begin

Chest Strength Training
Dumbbell Bench Press

Dumbbell Bench Press

The Dumbbell Bench Press is an effective strength exercise that focuses on strengthening your chest muscles while also engaging your shoulders and triceps. This exercise allows more freedom of movement than the traditional barbell bench press, which can lead to better muscle balance and a lower risk

Chest Strength Training