Best Push-Ups For Chest to Build Bigger & Stronger Pecs

Soniya
Push-ups for chest is one of the best was to work several muscles at once. (Image via Pexels / Maksim Goncharenok)
Push-ups for chest is one of the best was to work several muscles at once. (Image via Pexels / Maksim Goncharenok)

Push-ups for chest are a great way to strengthen and build muscular pecs. They work many of your muscles at once, and you can adjust the angle of your body for different results. Pushups are also simple to perform anywhere and require little equipment or special clothing. If you're looking for a bigger chest, push-ups are one way to go about it — as long as you do them right!

We'll explore five variations on the classic pushup that will help build your pecs so they look big from every angle.


Want to build bigger and stronger pecs? Try These Five Push-ups For Chest Variations.

1. Decline push-ups

Decline push-ups are a great way to build strength and size in your pecs. They're also very easy to do and can be done anywhere, so they're perfect for beginners or those who don't have access to equipment (like a gym).

To perform decline push-ups:

  • Extend your body by placing your feet on an elevated surface and then extending your arms until they are fully straightened.
  • Your elbows should be over your wrists, and the upper arms should be at a 45-degree angle relative to the floor.
  • Engage your core muscles (glutes, abs) to lift yourself until your chin touches the floor.
  • Exhale as you extend your elbows.

2. Incline push-ups

Incline push-ups for chest is a great way to build upper-body strength. You can do them on a bench, chair, or bed—or even on an incline wall (you can find instructions for how to make your own here). Increase the difficulty of this exercise to add resistance.

Incline push-ups helps in building the upper chest muscles. (Image via Pexels / Pixabay)
Incline push-ups helps in building the upper chest muscles. (Image via Pexels / Pixabay)

How to do incline push-ups for chest:

  • Stand facing the edge of a bench or table, with hands on the table slightly wider than shoulder width.
  • Your arms should be straight but elbows are not locked.
  • Align your feet so that your arms and body are completely straight.
  • Slowly lower your chest toward the edge of the bench while inhaling.
  • Keep your body straight and rigid throughout this movement.
  • Push yourself away from the bench until your elbows are extended but not locked.
  • Exhale as you push back up to start position.
  • Continue with slow, steady repetitions.

3. Push-up plus

The push-up plus is a variation of the traditional push-up that targets your chest, triceps, and core.

To do push-up plus:

  • Begin in a high plank or top of a push-up position with your elbows straight.
  • From there, retract your shoulder blades back by squeezing them together and then push them forward as far as possible.
  • To avoid straining your shoulders, keep the upper back flat and elbows unbent during this exercise.
  • If it's too difficult for you to start from your toes, you can modify the exercise by starting from your knees instead.

4. Diamond push-ups

Diamond push-ups for chest is one of the best exercises for building a strong chest. They're also one of the most difficult, so start light and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.

works on your pectoral muscles. (Image via Pexels / Sabel Blanco)
works on your pectoral muscles. (Image via Pexels / Sabel Blanco)

To do diamond push-ups:

  • Start in a hands-and-knees position.
  • Make sure your fingers are touching and form a diamond shape with your thumbs, then extend your arms so that your body is elevated and forms a straight line from your head to your feet.
  • Lower your chest towards your hands, making sure not to flare your elbows out to the sides.
  • Focus on keeping your back flat as you go down, then push back up to the starting position.

5. T Push-Ups

T push-ups for chest are a variation of the standard push-up. They work your chest and triceps, but they also target your core because you're balancing on one leg while performing them.

push-ups for chest targets your core muscles. (Image via Pexels / Karl Solano)
push-ups for chest targets your core muscles. (Image via Pexels / Karl Solano)

To perform this exercise:

  • Lie face down on the floor supported by your hands in the standard push-up position.
  • Perform a powerful push-up and at the top of the exercise lift one arm from the floor, rolling onto your side as you twist your torso to the side.
  • Return to starting position and repeat with the opposite arm.

Push-ups for chest is an excellent way to build bigger pecs and stronger shoulders. If you want to get the most out of your pushups, however, it's important that you do them correctly. That means using proper form and having good technique during every rep so that your muscles are getting the greatest benefit possible from each movement.

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