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Best Beginner Chest And Tricep Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout is designed to help you achieve a lean physique and reduce body fat percentage while promoting overall fitness.

It incorporates resistance training and keeps your heart rate elevated to maximize calorie burn and muscle preservation.

Beginners, defined as those with less than one year of training experience, will find this routine approachable yet effective, with reduced weights to facilitate learning proper form.

Focusing on the pectoral muscles, the chest and triceps are synergistically engaged through pressing and pushing movements, offering a comprehensive upper body workout.

The 15 Best Beginner Chest and Tricep Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Dumbbell Fly

    Dumbbell Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,618,981
    Chest Strength
    98 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Fly is an effective exercise for strengthening and building the chest muscles. It also engages the shoulders for support. This exercise helps to develop muscle balance by working each side of the body independently.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench, squeezing your shoulder blades together and keeping your feet flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and buttocks.
    3. Hold the dumbbells above your shoulders with palms facing inward and elbows slightly bent.
    4. Engage your core and slowly lower the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
    5. When the dumbbells are level with your chest, exhale and lift them back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 2. Bench Dip

    Bench Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,752,525
    Triceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Bench Dip is a simple bodyweight exercise that mainly works your triceps. It’s easier than regular dips because your feet stay on the ground, making it perfect for beginners to build strength towards full dips.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on a bench with your hands next to your hips, palms down.
    2. Move your body forward, lowering your hips off the bench while keeping your feet on the ground.
    3. Bend your elbows and lower your hips until your upper arms are parallel to the ground, keeping your chest up.
    4. Push back up by extending your elbows to return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 3. Dip

    Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,690,853
    Triceps Strength
    92 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dip (Parallel) Bar
    Dip (Parallel) Bar

    Dips are a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the triceps. You lift and lower your body using your arms while keeping your core engaged.

    How to do it

    1. Hold onto the dip bars with straight arms and slightly bent elbows.
    2. Suspended above the ground, brace your core and keep your back straight.
    3. Lean your body forward slightly and pull your elbows down to lower yourself.
    4. Keep your elbows close to your sides until they reach a 90-degree angle.
    5. Push back up to straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
  • 4. Dumbbell Kickbacks

    Dumbbell Kickbacks demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,145,130
    Triceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell Kickbacks are a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the triceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure you work each arm evenly. This exercise can also be adjusted for more challenge as you progress.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and hinge forward at your hips until your torso is at a 45-degree angle, keeping your back straight.
    3. Bend your elbows and position your arms behind you, so dumbbells are under your elbows.
    4. Push the dumbbells back by straightening your arms, squeezing your triceps at the end of the movement.
    5. Pause briefly, then slowly return to the starting position while keeping tension in your triceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 5. Dumbbell Skullcrusher

    Dumbbell Skullcrusher demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,879,914
    Triceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Skullcrusher is a great exercise for strengthening your triceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure both arms work equally and adds a challenge to your stability.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and hips.
    3. Hold dumbbells above your shoulders with palms facing each other and elbows slightly bent.
    4. Engage your core and lower the dumbbells behind your head by bending your elbows, keeping your upper arms stable.
    5. When the dumbbells are just above your forehead, exhale and lift them back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 6. Alternating Medicine Ball Push Up

    Alternating Medicine Ball Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    518,478
    Chest Strength
    55 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Medicine Balls
    Medicine Balls

    The Alternating Medicine Ball Push Up is a challenging push-up variation that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Using a medicine ball helps improve balance and strength on both sides of the body.

    How to do it

    1. Place your right hand on a medicine ball and keep your arms shoulder-width apart.
    2. Raise your knees to form a straight line from your heels to your shoulders.
    3. Bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the floor, keeping your elbows at 45 degrees.
    4. Push back up and roll the ball to your left hand.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    5reps
    2
    5reps
    3
    5reps
  • 7. Balance Trainer Push Up

    Balance Trainer Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    588,535
    Chest Strength
    29 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer

    The Balance Trainer Push Up is a challenging version of the regular push-up that helps improve your stability. It uses an unstable surface, making the exercise harder and enhancing your overall strength in pushing movements.

    How to do it

    1. Place your hands on the outside edges of the Balance Trainer with the dome side facing up.
    2. Lift your knees to create a straight line from your heels to your shoulders.
    3. Bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the Balance Trainer, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Push back up to the starting position by straightening your arms.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
  • 8. Dumbbell Bench Press

    Dumbbell Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,452,674
    Chest Strength
    99 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Bench Press is a great exercise for beginners that targets the chest, triceps, and shoulders. Using dumbbells helps improve stability and ensures both sides of the body work equally without compensating for weaknesses.

    How to do it

    1. Lie back on a bench, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    2. Place your feet flat on the ground, under your knees.
    3. Hold the dumbbells outside shoulder-width apart, above your chest.
    4. Keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle and engage your core.
    5. Extend your arms fully and then lower the dumbbells back to starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 9. Seated Tricep Press

    Seated Tricep Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,537,026
    Triceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Seated Tricep Press is an exercise that strengthens your triceps by using a dumbbell. It helps improve your range of motion by pressing the weight overhead, adding variety to your workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright on a bench with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell vertically at chest height with palms facing up.
    3. Brace your core and press the dumbbell overhead, keeping elbows forward.
    4. Lower the dumbbell behind your head until your forearms touch your biceps.
    5. Lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 10. Skullcrusher

    Skullcrusher demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,594,390
    Triceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    Skullcrushers are a triceps exercise performed while lying on a bench. This movement focuses on isolating the triceps and can be done with an EZ-Bar for better grip and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Lie back on a bench, keeping your shoulder blades squeezed and your heels flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure the bench supports your head, shoulders, and buttocks at all times.
    3. Hold the EZ-Bar above your shoulders with hands shoulder-width apart.
    4. Keep your upper arms still and bend your elbows to lower the bar just above your forehead.
    5. Exhale as you extend your arms to lift the bar back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 11. Cable Tricep Pushdown

    Cable Tricep Pushdown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,225,406
    Triceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable Tricep Pushdown is an exercise that works the triceps, the muscles at the back of your arms. Using a flat bar allows you to keep your palms facing down, helping to stabilize your wrists as you perform the move.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to the highest position with a straight or angled bar attached.
    2. Grip the bar with your palms facing down and elbows bent at 90 degrees, close to your body.
    3. Keep your core tight and your shoulders back.
    4. Push the bar down by extending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides until your arms are straight.
    5. Return to the starting position by bending your elbows back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 12. Exercise Ball Push Up

    Exercise Ball Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    185,870
    Chest Strength
    32 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Stability (Swiss) Ball
    Stability (Swiss) Ball

    The Exercise Ball Push Up involves placing your feet or knees on a stability ball while doing push-ups. This challenges your balance and engages your chest, triceps, and core muscles more than standard push-ups.

    How to do it

    1. Place your hands on the outer edge of an exercise ball with fingers facing out.
    2. Lift your knees to form a straight line from your heels to your shoulders.
    3. Bend your elbows to lower your chest towards the ball, keeping elbows at a 45-degree angle from your body.
    4. When your chest touches the ball, push up to return to the starting position and roll the ball to your left hand.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 13. Incline Push Up

    Incline Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,647,408
    Chest Strength
    71 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    Incline push-ups work your lower chest and shoulders while being easier than regular push-ups. They are ideal for beginners who want to strengthen their lower chest.

    How to do it

    1. Stand facing an elevated platform with your hands shoulder-width apart on it.
    2. Keep your body straight from head to heels by engaging your core.
    3. With your feet shoulder-width apart and toes tucked under, bend your elbows to lower your chest toward the platform.
    4. Push back up until your arms are straight again.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 14. Machine Bench Press

    Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,758,222
    Chest Strength
    68 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Bench Press Machine
    Bench Press Machine

    The Machine Bench Press is a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It uses a fixed range of motion, making it easier to focus on pushing rather than balancing.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the machine with your shoulders squeezed together and feet flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure your back is in contact with the machine all the way from your head to your butt.
    3. Hold the handles with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles up until your arms are fully extended at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 15. Machine Fly

    Machine Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,127,998
    Chest Strength
    97 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Fly Machine
    Fly Machine

    The Machine Fly is an exercise that targets your chest and works your shoulders. It uses a machine for stability, making it easier for beginners to learn the movement safely and effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the fly machine with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart.
    2. Ensure your back is against the pad, keeping contact with your head, shoulders, and butt.
    3. Engage your core to maintain a neutral spine position.
    4. Hold the handles with palms facing forward.
    5. With slightly bent elbows, move your arms in a wide arc to bring the handles together.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Chest and Tricep Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Beginner Chest and Tricep Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat