Chest Exercises - Complete Guide

Build a powerful, well-developed chest with our comprehensive guide to chest exercises. Learn the best movements for upper, middle, and lower pectorals, proper form, and training strategies.

Best Chest Exercises

Standard Push-Up

BodyweightIntermediateCompound
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Dumbbell Bench Press

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Flat Barbell Bench

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Incline Dumbbell Press

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Chest Press Machine

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Cable Fly

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Archer Push-Up

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How to Train Chest

  • Focus on full range of motion - lower the weight completely and press to full extension
  • Include both horizontal and incline pressing movements for complete development
  • Balance compound movements (bench press) with isolation work (flies)
  • Allow 48-72 hours recovery between chest-focused sessions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Bouncing the bar off your chest instead of controlled lowering
  • Flaring elbows too wide, which can cause shoulder impingement
  • Arching excessively to lift more weight (reduces range of motion)
  • Neglecting upper and lower chest development

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I train chest?

Most people benefit from training chest 1-2 times per week, allowing adequate recovery between sessions.

What's the best chest exercise?

The bench press and push-ups are excellent foundational movements, but a well-rounded chest routine includes multiple angles and movement types.

Should I do chest and triceps together?

Yes, this is a common pairing since triceps assist in pressing movements. Just ensure you don't overwork triceps if training them separately too.

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