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Best Chest And Back Workouts With Garage Gym To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

Utilize your garage gym, equipped with versatile tools such as barbells, dumbbells, benches, pull-up bars, and squat racks, to effectively perform this workout strategy.

Engage in a routine aimed at achieving a lean physique and burning fat, incorporating resistance exercises that promote calorie expenditure while maintaining muscle mass through the use of lower weight and higher repetitions tailored to individual abilities.

Focus on developing and strengthening the muscles of the chest, including the pectorals, through horizontal pressing and shoulder adduction movements, alongside back-targeting exercises like rows and pull-ups to build upper torso pulling strength.

By combining chest and back exercises, achieve a balanced muscular development as they represent opposing muscle groups promoting complementary push and pull actions.

The 15 Best Chest and Back Exercises with Garage Gym 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. Pull Up

    Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,756,760
    Back Strength
    89 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    Pull Ups are a challenging exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps using just your body weight. Beginners can modify this exercise with assistance or weights for a more manageable workout.

    How to do it

    1. Grip the pull-up bar with your palms facing away from you.
    2. Engage your core by taking a deep breath and tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows and keeping them close to your body.
    4. Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    5reps
    2
    5reps
    3
    5reps
    4
    5reps
  • 5. 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
  • 6. Chin Up

    Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,940,326
    Back Strength
    54 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    Chin Ups are a bodyweight exercise that mainly works your back and biceps. They are performed on a pull-up bar with an underhand grip, helping you build strength and muscle mass.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing you.
    2. Engage your core by taking a deep breath and tightening your stomach.
    3. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    4. Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    5reps
    2
    5reps
    3
    5reps
    4
    5reps
  • 7. 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
  • 8. Australian Chin Up

    Australian Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    517,270
    Back Strength
    55 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Squat Rack
    Squat Rack

    The Australian Chin Up is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back, biceps, and shoulders. You perform it from a low, inclined position using a bar, making it easier than regular Chin Ups. It's a great way for beginners to build strength towards full Chin Ups.

    How to do it

    1. Lie underneath a low bar and grab it with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Keep your legs and body straight, starting with your arms fully extended.
    3. Pull your chest towards the bar while keeping your elbows close, engaging your core to maintain a straight line.
    4. Lower yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 9. Dumbbell Bent Over Row

    Dumbbell Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,165,923
    Back Strength
    97 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Bent Over Row targets your back and biceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure both sides of your body are trained equally and adds difficulty, making it great for building strength and muscle in your back workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells beside your hips.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and push your hips back, leaning your torso forward at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Keep your arms extended with dumbbells under your shoulders.
    4. Pull the dumbbells toward your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 10. Dumbbell Incline Bench Press

    Dumbbell Incline Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,356,994
    Chest Strength
    96 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Dumbbell Incline Bench Press is a great exercise to strengthen your chest and shoulders. By using dumbbells, you improve stability and balance, helping to build strength in both sides of your body.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench with your back supported and your shoulder blades squeezed together.
    2. Keep your feet flat on the ground and adjust the bench to a 45-60 degree angle.
    3. Hold the dumbbells just outside shoulder-width at shoulder height.
    4. Brace your core and extend your arms straight up at a 45-degree angle from your body.
    5. Exhale as you lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 11. 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
    4
    7reps
  • 12. 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
  • 13. Landmine Row

    Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    593,522
    Back Strength
    90 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Row is a strength exercise that mainly works your back, shoulders, and biceps. It uses a landmine to create a unique movement, helping increase muscle mass and strength while varying your workout routine.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, straddling the barbell, and face away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    3. Bend your knees slightly, hinge at your hips, and grip the barbell near the base.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or chest by bending your elbows.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 14. Neutral Grip Pull Up

    Neutral Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    873,525
    Back Strength
    46 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Pull Up Bar
    Pull Up Bar

    The Neutral Grip Pull Up is an exercise that strengthens your back, biceps, and forearms using a grip where your palms face each other. It’s easier on the shoulders and wrists, making it great for beginners or those with joint concerns.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing each other.
    2. Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    4. Lower yourself back down to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    5reps
    2
    5reps
    3
    5reps
    4
    5reps
  • 15. Single Arm Landmine Row

    Single Arm Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    247,726
    Back Strength
    80 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Row is an exercise that targets your back muscles. By using one arm at a time, you can focus on building strength evenly and improving stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Brace your core to maintain a neutral spine.
    3. Bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips to reach for the barbell with your right hand.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or until a plate touches your chest with your right elbow.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Garage Gym to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts with Garage Gym