For many of my clients, building a powerful chest isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also essential to boost overall upper-body strength and functionality. Compound exercises, which engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, are particularly effective for maximizing muscle growth and strength. Here are 11 of the best compound chest exercises tailored specifically to target your chest muscles, helping you achieve the chiseled, robust upper body you desire.
Remember to focus on proper form and technique, gradually increasing weight and intensity as you progress. For the best results, combine these compound chest exercises with a balanced diet and adequate rest.
Barbell Bench Press
The barbell bench press is a classic compound exercise that primarily targets the pectoralis major, along with engaging the triceps and shoulders. It’s a foundational movement for building upper-body strength.
To get started, lie flat on a bench with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Grip the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and lower it to your chest. Push the barbell back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms. Aim for three to four sets of six to eight repetitions.
Dumbbell Bench Press
Similar to the barbell bench press, the dumbbell bench press also targets the chest muscles while allowing for a greater range of motion and unilateral strength development.
For this move, lie on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing forward. Lower the dumbbells until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. Push the dumbbells back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms. Perform three to four sets of eight to 10 repetitions.
Pushups
The pushup is a versatile bodyweight exercise that effectively targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It can be modified to suit various fitness levels.
Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the ground. Push yourself back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms. Complete three to four sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
Dumbbell Flys
Dumbbell flys isolate the chest muscles, providing a deep stretch and contraction that stimulates muscle growth.
Lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing inward. With a slight bend in your elbows, lower the dumbbells out to the sides until you feel a stretch in your chest. Bring the dumbbells back together over your chest, squeezing your pecs. Aim for three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.
Incline Barbell Bench Press
Targeting the upper chest, the incline barbell bench press emphasizes the clavicular head of the pectoralis major for a well-rounded chest development.
Set an incline bench to a 30 to 45-degree angle. Grip the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and lower it to your upper chest. Press the barbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arms. Perform three to four sets of six to eight repetitions.
Decline Bench Press
The decline bench press emphasizes the lower chest muscles, offering a unique angle for muscle stimulation.
Lie on a decline bench with your feet secure. Grip the barbell with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and bring it down to your lower chest. Push the barbell back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms. Complete three to four sets of eight to 10 repetitions.
Chest Dips
The chest dip is an advanced bodyweight exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps, providing a challenging workout for overall upper-body strength.
Grip the parallel bars and lift yourself up, keeping your elbows slightly flared out. Lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the ground. Push yourself back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms. Aim for three sets of eight to 12 repetitions.
Cable Chest Press
The cable chest press provides constant tension throughout the movement, effectively targeting the chest muscles while also engaging stabilizing muscles.
Stand in front of a cable machine with the cables set at chest height. Grab the handles and press them forward until your arms are fully extended. Slowly bring the handles back to the starting position, keeping your chest engaged. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.
Machine Chest Press
The machine chest press offers a guided motion, making it suitable for beginners while still providing an effective chest workout.
Sit on the machine with your back flat against the pad and grasp the handles. Push the handles forward until your arms are fully extended. Slowly bring the handles back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement. Complete three to four sets of eight to 10 repetitions.
Plyometric Pushups
Plyometric pushups add an explosive element to traditional pushups, helping to improve power and strength in the chest and upper body.
Begin in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body into a pushup, then explosively push off the ground, allowing your hands to leave the ground. Land softly and immediately lower yourself back into the next rep. Aim for three sets of six to eight repetitions.
Medicine Ball Chest Pass
The medicine ball chest pass is a dynamic exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and arms while improving coordination and explosive power.
Stand facing a partner with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball at chest height. Explosively pass the ball to your partner by extending your arms forward. Receive the ball from your partner and immediately repeat the movement. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.
Sign up for our newsletter!
