Five exercises that are better than push-ups for a stronger chest

ActiveWorkoutsFive exercises that are better than push-ups for a stronger chestDon’t worry, there’s other ways to build bigger pecsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Don’t worry, there’s other ways to build bigger pecs

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Man doing push up

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It may be simple, it may not require any equipment, but the push up is one of the most effective bodyweight exercises. Thiscompound movementworks a multitude of upper body muscles with the main focus on the chest, shoulders, triceps and core. If stronger pecs are therefore what you’re after, then they should be a staple in your programme.

But, let’s be honest, simple doesn’t equate to ‘easy’ and learninghow to master the push upwith the correct form is far from that. Do it wrong and you won’t reap its full benefits, not to mention you’re increasing your chances of injury.

If you’re determined to become a pro, there arehacks you can do to make push ups easier. However, if you’d rather focus your attention elsewhere then there are plenty of alternative exercises out there that can provide you with exact same benefits. These are the five we’d recommend…

1. Incline push up

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Woman doing incline push up

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ok, so this may be a variation of the push up but, trust us, an incline push up is a lot easier than a regular push up. It’s one of the best push up alternatives as it actually targets the exact same muscles, but places even more emphasis on the chest and less on your arms and shoulders. You don’t need any equipment for it either, you can just use a wall, stairs, or even a table. The greater the incline, the easier it will be to perform.

2. High plank

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Woman doing bodyweight tall plank

(Image credit: Getty Images)

People often mistake the plank for being just a core strengthening exercise, but this bodyweight movement also targets many muscles including your chest, shoulders, legs and forearms. As thehigh planksets you up in the push up position, it’s a good way to improve your push up form (if you’re still determined to nail them). Whether you’re looking to develop your chest or not, it’s an exercise that should be included in all training programmes.

3. Dumbbell chest press

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Man doing dumbbell chest press

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This classicstrength exerciseis loved amongst bodybuilder and powerlifter crowds and is great for building the chest, triceps, shoulders and core. Perform it either on aweight benchor, if you don’t have one, take it to the floor, which actually makes it a lot easier as your range of motion is shortened. Plus, this will allow you to press more weight, meaning bigger gains.

4. Seated shoulder press

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Man doing dumbbell shoulder press

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

As well as hitting the deltoids, the seated shoulder press works your upper chest and triceps. Performing this seated, as opposed to standing, is easier as your back, shoulders and glutes have more stability, which means your core doesn’t need to support you as much. Again, this means you’ll be able to lift a lot heavier. It’s usually performed with apair of dumbbells, but if you don’t have any, then aresistance bandwould work just as well.

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5. Chest dips

(Image credit: iStock)

muscular and lean person doing triceps dips on parallel bars outside

(Image credit: iStock)

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Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!

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1. Incline push up#

2. High plank#

3. Dumbbell chest press#

4. Seated shoulder press#

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5. Chest dips#

1. Incline push up

2. High plank

3. Dumbbell chest press

4. Seated shoulder press

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5. Chest dips