The Best Chest Exercises

Top Exercises

Lever Crossovers

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Chest / isolation

A chest isolation movement using levers. It mimics the cable crossover but provides a more stabilized, fixed path to target the inner pecs.

Incline Bench Press

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Chest / push

A staple compound movement for the upper pectorals (clavicular head). The incline angle builds upper chest volume and improves overall pressing strength.

Cable Standing Up Straight Crossovers

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

A chest exercise targeting the sternal fibers. Standing straight increases the recruitment of the core and leg stabilizers for balance.

Single Arm Push-Up

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Chest / push

An elite pushing exercise for the chest and triceps. It requires incredible unilateral strength and extreme core stability to prevent rotation.

Plyo Push-Up

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Chest / push

An explosive pushing exercise for chest and triceps. It develops upper-body power and improves the fast-twitch muscle fiber recruitment in the pectorals.

Incline Fly

Beginner / Dumbbells / Chest / isolation

Targets the upper pectorals through isolation. It provides a deep stretch for the clavicular head and helps define the upper chest-to-shoulder transition.

Incline Push Press

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Chest / push

A power-building movement for the shoulders and triceps. Using an incline and a leg drive allows for heavier loading and explosive development.

Hyght Dumbbell Fly

Beginner / Dumbbells / Chest / isolation

A specialized chest isolation variation that focuses on the mid-to-inner pectorals. It emphasizes the peak contraction through a specific restricted arc.