Major Chest Muscles

There are two major chest muscles.  These are the pectoralis major and minor.  The pectoralis major is located at the front of the ribcage and is responsible for most of the broad movements across and along the chest.  The pectoralis minor is located behind the pectoralis major.  It performs many of the same functions and provides support for the major pecs.  The pectoralis minor also moves the shoulder forward.

Good Chest Exercises

These basic exercises will help you develop solid chest muscles, which also serve to increase strength and endurance.

•Barbell Bench Press

The barbell bench-press of probably the single best chest exercise.  It is also one of the most fundamental whole body exercises that you do.  An average bench press involves laying flat on a bench with a barbell and some weight on each side.  You then lower the bar to a point right above you nipples and explosively push the weight off your chest.  There are many variations on the bench press and this exercise can be tailored to your specific needs.

•Flat Dumbbell Flies

In order to perform this exercise you must lie flat on a bench with a pair of light dumbbells.  With the weights parallel above your chest, lower your arms out to your sides.  This exercise targets a different area of the chest in a unique way, and is one of the best chest exercises to compliment and build on the barbell bench press.

•Push-Ups

Push-ups are one of the most basic, yet effective, exercises for chest muscles that you can do.  You lay flat on the floor, toes pointed, hands nearly shoulder width apart and push your body off the ground.  There are a number of ways to perform push-ups, including one-armed push-ups, clapping push-ups, and incline push-ups among many others.

By performing these chest exercises, you will be stronger, faster, have more endurance, and have a more attractive body.