Video: Chest press with weight machine

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Video

Video: Chest press with weight machine

By Mayo Clinic staff

Transcript

Dr. Laskowski: The chest press is an exercise you can do with a weight machine to work the chest muscles. Specifically, the chest press targets the pectoral muscles in the front of the chest. Strengthening these muscles can help you improve your ability to lift and push, and also improve your performance in a variety of sports.

Nicole Krupa: To do the chest press with a weight machine, adjust the seat so the handgrips are at or slightly below shoulder height, then slowly press forward, straightening your elbows. Don't arch your back or lock your elbows. Allow the handgrips to move toward your chest until your upper arms are at your body. Slowly return to the starting position. You'll feel tension across your upper chest.

When you're doing the chest press, be careful not to lock your elbows or let your elbows drop back behind your body.

For most people, one set of 12 to 15 repetitions is adequate.

Remember, for best results, don't lock your elbows and keep your movements smooth and controlled.

VIDEO HELP
If the video does not play, you may need to download and install the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player. For additional troubleshooting tips, browse the Multimedia FAQ.

MM00748

Feb. 28, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.


Text Size: smaller largerlarger