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Best Beginner Chest Workouts With Bodyweight

About

This beginner-friendly chest workout relies exclusively on bodyweight exercises, requiring no additional resistance equipment to perform effectively.

It is tailored for individuals with under a year of fitness experience, focusing on basic yet productive movements that mitigate potential risk of injury.

The routines emphasize activating the pectoral muscles, located on the front of the upper torso, through well-controlled and structured exercises.

Regardless of your starting capability, these exercises offer a solid foundation to enhance upper body strength and stability.

The 3 Best Beginner Chest Exercises with Bodyweight

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

  • 1. Hand Release Push Up

    Hand Release Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    806,763
    Chest Strength
    94 mScore
    Chest

    The Hand Release Push Up is a modified version of the standard push up that helps improve your strength by ensuring full range of motion. By lifting your hands off the ground at the bottom of the movement, you engage your muscles more effectively during the exercise.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on the floor face down.
    2. Position your hands in line with your chest, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    3. Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed down.
    4. Engage your core to maintain a straight line from head to heels.
    5. Bend your elbows and lower your chest to the floor.
    6. Lift your hands off the ground for a moment, then place them back down.
    7. Push your body back up to the starting position by extending your arms.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
  • 2. Push Up on Knees

    Push Up on Knees demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,002,263
    Chest Strength
    86 mScore
    Chest

    Push Up on Knees is an easier version of the regular Push Up, suitable for beginners. It works your chest, shoulders, and triceps while helping you build strength to eventually do full Push Ups.

    How to do it

    1. Start on your knees with your hands on the floor under your shoulders.
    2. Keep your body straight from your shoulders to your knees.
    3. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows at about a 45-degree angle.
    4. Push back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 3. Svend Press

    Svend Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    406,647
    Chest Strength
    90 mScore
    Chest

    The Svend Press is an exercise that strengthens the chest, shoulders, and triceps by pressing two plates together. It helps activate the chest muscles more effectively, making it a valuable addition to your chest workout.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold two light barbell plates together with both hands at chest height.
    3. Press the plates together and push them forward in front of your chest.
    4. Return to the starting position by bending your elbows and keeping the plates pressed.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs

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Alternative Beginner Chest Workouts

Alternative Chest Workouts with Bodyweight

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Bodyweight