The Only 2 Exercises You Need for a Complete Chest Day

💥 What Should I Do for a Complete Chest Day Workout?

When it comes to building your chest, more isn’t always better. The key is not variety — it’s consistency, progression, and hitting all the right angles.

You don’t need a complicated program with 8 different exercises. In fact, a complete chest day can be done with just 2–3 well-chosen variations.

Let’s break it down.

🔑 The 2 Core Movements for Chest Growth

To fully develop your chest muscles, focus on movement angles that target the major sections of your pecs:

1. Flat Pressing Movement — Builds Overall Chest Mass

Targets: Entire chest, especially the mid-region

Examples:

  • Flat bench press (barbell or dumbbell)
  • Seated chest press machine
  • Weighted dips (slightly lean forward to engage chest)

2. Incline Pressing Movement — Builds Upper Chest

Targets: Clavicular (upper) portion of the pecs

Examples:

  • Incline bench press (barbell or dumbbell)
  • Incline chest press machine
  • Incline Smith machine press
  • Landmine press

💪 Optional Finisher: Fly Movements for Stretch & Isolation

While presses are your main drivers for strength and size, adding a fly movement helps improve muscle fibre stretch and control. These are great to include for isolation or as a finisher.

Recommended fly variations:

  • Cable flies (flat, incline, or decline)
  • Machine flies
  • Bench dumbbell flies

📊 How Many Sets Should You Do for Chest Each Week?

Research and coaching consensus suggests that 10–20 working sets per week is ideal for chest development.

💡 Progress is the goal. If you’re getting stronger and seeing growth on 15 sets/week, you’re doing great. If you’re stalling, consider adjusting volume up or down to match your recovery capacity and ability to progressively overload.

✋ Keep Your Wrists Supported on Press Days

Bench press, incline press, dips — they all demand wrist stability. If your wrists feel strained or wobbly during chest workouts, wrist wraps can make a huge difference.

Ours are made for lifters who want support, style, and strength — all in one.
Check out Barbell Boss wrist wraps 🦁

✅ Final Takeaway

Your chest day doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. Stick to the basics:

  • One flat pressing movement
  • One incline pressing movement
  • Optional fly movement
  • Aim for 10–20 quality sets/week
  • Focus on progressive overload, not just variety

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