Chest exercises

Also called Pectorals (pecs)

The best chest exercises for home and the gym, from push-ups to the bench press, with step-by-step form tips for beginners and beyond.

4 exercises that target this muscle

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Chest

Showing 7 of 7 exercises

Push-UpA push-up is a bodyweight exercise that works your chest, front shoulders and triceps while your core holds your body in one straight line.No equipmentBeginner
Incline Push-UpAn incline push-up is a push-up with your hands raised on a bench, table or wall, which makes it easier while still working your chest, shoulders and triceps.No equipmentBeginner
Dumbbell Bench PressThe dumbbell bench press works your chest, front shoulders and triceps, and lets each arm move freely, which many beginners find easier on the shoulders than a barbell.DumbbellsBeginner
Barbell Bench PressThe barbell bench press is a classic strength exercise for the chest, front shoulders and triceps, letting you lift heavier loads than most other chest exercises.BarbellIntermediate

Other exercises that also work this muscle

What do the chest muscles do?

The pectoralis major is a large, fan-shaped muscle across the front of the chest. It pulls your upper arm forward and across your body, which is the main movement in pushing a door, a pram or yourself up off the floor. A smaller muscle, the pectoralis minor, sits underneath and helps move the shoulder blade.

How do you train your chest?

Pressing movements train the chest best: pushing your hands away from your body, either by moving your body (a push-up) or a weight (a bench press). Changing the angle shifts the work slightly. An incline bias works more of the upper chest, and a wider grip gives the chest more of the load than the triceps.

Exercises for other muscles

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