The pectoral muscles are a weak point for many people, but there are several dependable pieces of equipment you can use to help turn that weakness into a strength. Even if you have had success in building your chest in the past, its not uncommon for even dedicated lifters to hit a plateau. Bringing a new piece of equipment into your routine could be key to kick starting your progress.
Types
Freeweights like dumbbells and barbells, most often used in conjunction with a weight bench, are favored by bodybuilders as the equipment of choice for the cornerstone of chest exercise, the bench press. Flyes are also performed on a weight bench with two dumbbells. Push-ups are popular for adding strength and mass to the chest, and many people favor using push-up handles when doing this classic exercise. A cable-pulley station, which can be found at most gyms, is required for doing cable crossovers. Other pieces of equipment for working the chest include bench press machines and resistance cables.
Benefits
Freeweights are the tool of choice for building a firm chest because adding more weight equates to adding more strength. A weight bench assists in the use of freeweights for chest exercises because it allows the user to bring their elbows below chest level when doing bench presses and flyes. Push-up handles make push-ups more comfortable, putting less stress on the wrists and allowing for a deeper stretch of the chest muscles. Rotating push-up handles are also available, which work more muscle fibers then standard push-ups. The cable crossover in a popular variation of the flye because the user can attach the handles from either the high or low pulley positions to work different areas of the chest.
Effects
Using freeweights, resistance bands and machines to do the bench press can lead to a thicker, fuller chest. Push-ups with push-up handles adds mass to the chest. Flyes, which can be done with dumbbells or resistance bands, and cable crossovers, which are done with a cable pulley, are designed to add width to the chest muscles.
Considerations
Always stretch your chest and shoulders before a chest workout. Use proper form and breathing when working out. Use a spotter when lifting heavy with freeweights. Check all equipment on a regular basis for wear and tear that could cause it to malfunction while in use.
Size
Freeweights, weight benches, bench press machines and cable pulley stations are heavy pieces of equipment that can be found in most gyms and purchased for home use as well. However, they are heavy and usually not considered portable. Push-up handles and resistance bands are both very portable, however, and can be packed away for use while on the road.
Member Comments