The chest muscles are a distinctive feature of strength anatomy. They perform tasks such as squeezing a pair of loppers to cut a tree branch and pushing a door open. They are also the main muscles mentioned when discussing upper body strength.
The chest muscles are the defining part of muscle mass for bodybuilders and those interested in general muscular aesthetics. Powerlifters rely on them to achieve the greatest lift on the bench press.
Dumbbell Bench Press
Try the dumbbell bench press if you’re looking for the best chest exercises to include in your strength-training program. The dumbbell bench press, also known as the dumbbell flat bench press and the dumbbell chest press, is an upper-body exercise that works the muscles of your arm, shoulder, and chest.
To perform the dumbbell bench press exercise start it by lying flat on your back on a bench. Then, pick up a pair of dumbbells and place them on your hips. Lift the dumbbells above your chest while engaging your core and glutes. And lower your arms again, squeezing your shoulder blades until your upper and lower arms form a 90-degree angle.
Dumbbell bench presses help to build upper-body muscle. The dumbbell bench press activates muscle groups throughout your upper body, including your triceps, pectoral muscles (especially the pectoralis major), and anterior deltoids. Dumbbell bench presses work your stabilizer muscles as well. While performing this exercise, you stabilize yourself by using muscles in your arms, shoulders, lower back, and core.
See Also: 7 Top Chest Exercises for a Strong and Functional Upper Body
Bench Press
The bench press, arguably one of the most popular and effective chest exercises, is a gym staple for increasing push strength and muscle mass. The bench press has been shown in studies to be an extremely effective strength-training exercise, eliciting a high level of muscle activity in the pectoralis major. Bench press should be included in your training program if you want to develop a well-rounded physique and more functional strength.
To do the barbell bench press, first, lie on your back on a flat bench. Grip a barbell with hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Keep your core engaged and maintain a neutral spine position throughout the movement and avoid arching your back. Slowly lift the bar or dumbbells off the rack, if using. Press your feet into the floor as you push the bar back up to return to starting position. Perform 5 to 10 reps, depending on the weight used. Perform up to 3 sets.
Resistance training programs and split workouts that incorporate strength-training movements such as the bench press will also boost muscle growth and overall muscle mass. Training programs that emphasize volume and higher repetitions at 60-80% maximal strength, as opposed to lower volume with increased loads, will help build more lean mass.
Dips
Since the popularity of bodybuilding, the dip has been a popular exercise. It’s simple and clear and doesn’t necessitate any specialized equipment. Most importantly, it is one of the most effective chest exercises for increasing chest mass and strength.
The dip is primarily a chest exercise, but it also works the shoulders, triceps, and abdominals. You can increase the demand on the chest or the triceps by angling your body during the exercise. This means that a single exercise can be used to grow and strengthen two different body parts.
To perform a chest dip, stand in front of two parallel bars commonly known as the dip station or dip bars. Secure a firm grip on each of the bars. Tighten your core and breathe out as you elevate yourself. Lean forward so that your chest is where all of the tension is being focused. Bend at the knees to elevate your feet a bit. Now slowly lower yourself towards the ground, focusing on the contraction in the chest. Once your upper arms (triceps) reach parallel with the ground, pause and slowly push yourself back to the starting position. Do not lock out the elbows during the movement.
See Also: 7 Best Chest Exercises, According To Fitness Experts
Push-ups
Push-ups are one of the great chest exercises to strengthen and tone your chest. Push-ups can also help you build your triceps and shoulders. Push-ups are a resistance exercise that does not require any equipment and can help you build muscle strength. And they’re also not just for serious gym goers because you can do it anywhere.
To do push-ups, just lie on the ground while facing the floor. Place your arms a little wider than your shoulders. Balance your legs on your toes with your feet joined. Make sure that you have a straight body posture. Now, lift your body to begin the exercise. Next, you go down by bending the elbows. However, do not lie on the ground completely. Inhale while going down and exhale while coming up. Make sure to bend your elbows while making a 90-degree angle. And make the repetitions of 20-15-10 in the set of three.
Push-ups also engage your back muscles and help you develop a stronger and more stable core. If you do push-ups correctly, you will strengthen the muscles that support your posture. Push-ups will help you become more aware of your muscles, develop body balance, and improve your posture.
See Also: 10 Best Chest Workouts for Building Muscle
Incline/Decline Bench Press
The decline and incline bench press are both great chest exercises to improve your chest strength and mass. The incline bench is better for overall strength development and upper pec and shoulder emphasis. And a decline bench is better for lower pec development and being able to move more weight, as it has a shorter range of motion.
To do an incline press, make sure your bench is adjusted between 15 to 45 degrees on the incline before lying down on it. Wrap your fingers around the bar firmly and lift it from the rack, making sure that you’re holding it straight over yourself. Come down slowly while breathing in. Stop when it’s only an inch above your face, and while your arms are at a 45-degree angle. Hold position, exhale, and push it back up.
When it comes to the decline press, do it by securing both your legs at the bench’s top part and slowly lying down on it. Utilize a medium-width grip, and slowly lift the bar from the rack. With your arms perpendicular to the floor, slowly lift the bar and hold your position. Exhale while you slowly lower it down, holding the position when it goes down on your chest muscles. Hold the position, and inhale as you slowly lift it again. Repeat until the set is completed.
