Chest Muscle Exercises

The Pectoralis major is a powerful chest muscle. It has two main functions – adduction of the arm (bringing the arm in towards the chest) and medial rotation of the arm.

The Pectoralis major runs from your sternum (chest bone) to your upper arm, with attachments at either end.

Primary exercises for this area are the various presses, such as bench press, and incline press, which can be preformed with barbells, dumbbells, or on a machine.

These are strong muscles, and heavy weights can be handled, so it is crucial that whichever exercises you perform you should always follow the principals of good weight lifting.

As with any muscle, growth will depend upon a number of factors including the exercise you do, your diet, and appropriate rest.

The chest muscle is often an area that is worked extensively by men, however too much training can cause the shoulders to roll forward and inwards due to the tension of the chest muscle fibres.

To avoid this appearance and help give your chest a rest, also focus on working the musles of the back, especially upper back muscles such as the Trapezius and Rhomboids.