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Aristus

(68,692 posts)
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 03:49 PM Dec 20

Any weight-lifting enthusiasts here? I could use your help.

I'm trying to improve my chest presses in order to keep my pectorals in good shape. I was fortunate enough to inherit my father's physique, broad shoulders and a barrel chest. But I also inherited my male family members' tendency to run to fat pretty quickly if I don't exercise regularly.

Anyway, I do about seventy-five chest presses three or four times a week, using 35-lbs dumbbells. My upper pecs look very good., and have made me confident enough to start wearing tee-shirts again that, well, aren't tight, but fit well enough to show off my chest.

The thing is, my lower pecs aren't getting the workout they should, and are starting to look a little, well, dangly. (I'm fifty-six; gravity is going to cause some dangling; but I'm trying to stave off the inevitable.)

This is where I could use some expertise; What exercises could I do that will work out my lower pecs, and give them the definition of the uppers?

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Response to Aristus (Original post)

Aristus

(68,692 posts)
2. This is very helpful, Jim__! Thank you.
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 04:05 PM
Dec 20

I already do the reps in the upper pics. I usually do twenty presses with the dumbbells parallel to the axis of my body, then twist them, so they are perpendicular to the long axis, and do five more.

But the exercise in the bottom pics look very helpful. I'll give those a try during my next workout.

Thanks again!

Jim__

(14,516 posts)
3. I lost the link to the site that had it and I can't find it again. Glad if that helps.
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 04:07 PM
Dec 20

Raven123

(6,161 posts)
4. Decline bench press (head down about 30 degrees) or dips is what I have read.
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 04:09 PM
Dec 20

In essence, you want to push downward a bit, kind of like you are using a manual pump to inflate a tire.

At least that’s what I have read. Not really my focus so I don’t have experience to share

emulatorloo

(45,604 posts)
11. Another recommendation for Decline Benchpress.
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 07:46 PM
Dec 20

I had a pro body builder switch me to nothing but decline bench in my 50’s. Couldn’t believe how I grew and how they built up both lower and upper pecs.

flvegan

(64,670 posts)
9. Add decline dumbbell flyes to this
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 05:24 PM
Dec 20

and you've got a winner. Same as above, bench with your head on a decline, but do flyes rather than presses. Be sure to squeeze and hold at the peak. You can switch up the presses and flyes from the normal reps to negatives (eccentric reps), which emphasizes the lowering rather than the raising/pressing. Start with a lower weight than you use for presses if you're not used to this exercise.

Aristus

(68,692 posts)
8. Well, my nickname in the Army was "Chesty".
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 05:15 PM
Dec 20

Not in honor of Chesty Puller, who was a Marine anyway. But because of what four solid years of daily pushups did for my chest. Plus, upper body strength is invaluable for a tanker.

Drum

(9,905 posts)
10. I was going to chime in w/specifics, but I think the earlier posters have covered things pretty well.
Fri Dec 20, 2024, 07:22 PM
Dec 20

I’d only add that if you have access to any adjustable cable/pulley apparatus, those can be beneficial for targeting specific areas.

Good luck, stay strong!

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