Skip to main content

Best Chest And Back Workouts With Flat Bench To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

The workout integrates a flat bench to enhance a variety of chest and back exercises.

Flat benches serve as a supportive platform for various resistance movements using equipment such as weights or cables.

Its strategic design ensures proper positioning for maximizing muscle engagement.

This session's structure focuses on maintaining a high heart rate, combining resistance and movement to support fat burning while maintaining lean muscle mass.

Exercises target the pectoral region through press and fly motions, complemented by rowing and pulling movements to strengthen the back.

Modifications include lower weight and higher repetitions, adaptable to individual fitness levels and goals.

The 15 Best Chest and Back Exercises with Flat Bench to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

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

  • 1. Decline Push Up

    Decline Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,792,175
    Chest Strength
    60 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    Decline Push Up is a challenging version of the standard Push Up. It mainly works your chest, triceps, and shoulders, focusing more on the upper chest because your feet are elevated. This exercise helps strengthen your upper body effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Place your hands on the floor outside of shoulder width.
    2. Elevate your feet on a bench or box.
    3. Keep your hips and knees straight.
    4. Lower your chest towards the floor by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Push back up to the starting position after your chest is close to the floor.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 2. 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
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 3. Dumbbell Row

    Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,648,581
    Back Strength
    99 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Row is a great exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps while also engaging your core for stability. You can do this exercise using a flat bench and dumbbells, making it accessible even with limited equipment.

    How to do it

    1. Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
    2. Kneel on the bench with your right knee and place your right hand on the bench's edge.
    3. Keep your torso parallel to the ground and grab the dumbbell with your left hand, palm facing your torso.
    4. Pull the dumbbell up to your side, engaging your back; exhale as you lift.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 4. Barbell Bench Press

    Barbell Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    7,520,931
    Chest Strength
    98 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Barbell Bench Press is a key exercise for building upper body strength, targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It’s commonly used in fitness programs and is essential for evaluating upper body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure your head, shoulders, and butt are on the bench throughout the exercise.
    3. Grip the barbell slightly wider than your shoulders and lift it above your chest.
    4. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles as you lower the barbell to your chest, keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Gently touch your chest with the barbell, then push it back up to the starting position while exhaling.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    75lbs
    2
    8reps
    75lbs
    3
    8reps
    75lbs
  • 5. 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
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 6. 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
    4
    8reps
  • 7. Pause Bench Press

    Pause Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    274,997
    Chest Strength
    44 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Pause Bench Press is a modified bench press that focuses on the lower part of the lift. This exercise works the chest, triceps, and shoulders, helping you build strength and control by pausing briefly with the barbell at chest level before pressing it up.

    How to do it

    1. Lie flat on a bench with feet under your knees.
    2. Hold a barbell just outside your shoulders with arms extended.
    3. Bend your elbows at a 45-degree angle until the bar touches your chest.
    4. Pause for 1 to 2 seconds before pushing it back up.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    75lbs
    2
    8reps
    75lbs
    3
    8reps
    75lbs
  • 8. Bird Dog Rows

    Bird Dog Rows demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    280,528
    Back Strength
    71 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    Bird Dog Rows are a strength exercise that targets your back, core, and glutes. This move helps improve balance and stability by combining a rowing action with a Bird Dog position, making it great for building functional strength.

    How to do it

    1. Set a dumbbell at the head of a bench.
    2. Get on your hands and knees with your knees under your hips and hands under your shoulders, gripping the bench.
    3. Pick up the dumbbell with one hand, palm facing in.
    4. Keep the same-side knee on the bench and the opposite-side hand gripping the bench.
    5. Engage your core, lift your opposite leg straight back, in line with your body.
    6. Pull the dumbbell up to your side, keeping your elbow close to your body.
    7. Hold for a moment, then slowly lower the dumbbell back down.
    8. Switch sides and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 9. Dumbbell Larson Press

    Dumbbell Larson Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    131,545
    Chest Strength
    80 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Larson Press is a chest exercise that targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps without using your legs for support. By elevating your legs, you focus more on upper body strength and stability, helping improve your bench press form.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Lie back on a flat bench with your legs extended and toes pointing up.
    3. Position the dumbbells wider than shoulder-width, palms facing your feet.
    4. Keep your head, shoulders, and hips on the bench.
    5. Press the dumbbells above your chest, engaging your chest muscles.
    6. Pause at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbells back down.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 10. Leg Raise With Dumbbell Pull Over

    Leg Raise With Dumbbell Pull Over demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    107,071
    Chest Strength
    74 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Leg Raise With Dumbbell Pull Over is a workout combining a leg raise and a dumbbell pull over. This exercise works your core, shoulders, and back, helping to improve strength and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell with both hands, gripping the head firmly.
    2. Lie back on a flat bench with the dumbbell resting on your chest.
    3. Lift your legs off the ground, extending them straight up.
    4. Move the dumbbell overhead, keeping your arms straight up from your shoulders.
    5. Engage your core and press your back against the bench.
    6. Lower your arms and legs together towards the floor in a controlled motion.
    7. Pause briefly at the bottom, then pull the arms and legs back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 11. Alternating Dumbbell Bench Press

    Alternating Dumbbell Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    753,262
    Chest Strength
    80 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Alternating Dumbbell Bench Press is a chest exercise that works your pecs, shoulders, and triceps. It involves lifting one dumbbell at a time, helping to improve balance and strengthen your core. This exercise also helps enhance muscle endurance by keeping the muscles under tension longer.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on the bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Keep your head, shoulders, and butt on the bench.
    3. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand above your chest.
    4. With your core tight, extend your left arm straight up at a 45-degree angle from your body.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position while exhaling.
    6. Switch to your right arm and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 12. Smith Machine Bench Press

    Smith Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    922,042
    Chest Strength
    66 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Bench Press is a chest exercise that works your triceps and shoulders too. The Smith Machine helps keep the movement steady, making it easier to focus on properly performing the exercise.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together.
    2. Make sure your head, shoulders, and butt stay on the bench.
    3. Place your feet flat on the ground and keep your knees bent.
    4. Position the bar over your chest, holding it just outside shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    5. Engage your core and unhook the bar, lowering it slowly towards your chest while keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    6. Touch your chest gently with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 13. Incline Tricep Push Up

    Incline Tricep Push Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    304,832
    Chest Strength
    73 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Incline Tricep Push Up is a great exercise for strengthening your triceps, shoulders, and chest. By placing your hands on an elevated surface, you can easily target your upper arms while maintaining good form.

    How to do it

    1. Find an elevated surface like a bench.
    2. Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on the surface.
    3. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
    4. Bend your elbows to lower your chest to the bench, keeping elbows close to your body.
    5. Push back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
    4
    8reps
  • 14. Dumbbell Squeeze Press

    Dumbbell Squeeze Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,242,901
    Chest Strength
    90 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Squeeze Press is an exercise that mainly works your chest, shoulders, and triceps. By pressing the dumbbells together, you keep constant tension on your chest, making it effective without needing extra equipment.

    How to do it

    1. Lie flat on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in, resting on your chest.
    2. Press the dumbbells together and raise them above your chest, extending your arms.
    3. Keep pressing the dumbbells together as you lower them back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 15. EZ Bar PJR Pull Over

    EZ Bar PJR Pull Over demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    29,847
    Back Strength
    68 mScore
    Back
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The EZ Bar PJR Pull Over is an exercise that works your lats, triceps, and chest. Using an EZ-Bar makes the grip more comfortable and helps stretch the muscles effectively, which is great for building upper body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Lie flat on a bench, keeping your shoulder blades on it.
    2. Hold the EZ-Bar above your chest with arms straight.
    3. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees, keeping your triceps tight.
    4. Lower the EZ-Bar behind your head with control.
    5. Pull the EZ-Bar back over your chest using your back muscles.
    6. Extend your arms to return to the starting position.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Flat Bench to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts with Flat Bench

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat