The chest area is one of the easist muscle groups for beginning bodybuilders to strengthen and develop. It consists of a large muscle (pectoralis major) to either side of the breastbone and a smaller muscle (pectoralis minor) underneath. The pecs are relatively easy to develop in the early stages simply because they can be trained intensively although care needs to be taken to work them from different angles to ensure full development.

For beginners, three safe but effective exercises are recommended:

1. Incline dumbbell press - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. When you feel comfortable with the mechanics involved in this exercise you can move on to using a barbell instead, remembering to maintain proper form.

2. Incline dumbbell flyes - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Done properly, this exercise is good for inner and outer pecs.

3. Push-ups - 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Keep your body straight from head to knees

As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your chest exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:

Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs

Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs

Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves

Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs

For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

• Add Intensity To Your Muscle Building Workout


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Training To Failure


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Pre-Exhaustion


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Forced Repetitions


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Negative Repetitions


• Increase Your Training Intensity - Partial Repetitions


• The Facts About Anabolic Steroids


• The Health Risks Associated With The Use Of Anabolic Steroids


• Are Prohormones A Safe Alternative To Anabolic Steroids?


• Is Your Muscle Building Potential Limited By Your Genes?


• Know Your Muscles - The Mid-Section


• Know Your Muscles - The Chest And Upper Back


• Know Your Muscles - The Shoulders And Arms


• Know Your Muscles - The Lower Body


• Know Your Muscle Building Exercises - The Chest