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Best Chest And Tricep Workouts With Weight Machines To Build Muscle Mass

About

Weight machines are designed to target specific movements, providing stability and guidance to ensure proper execution during workouts.

Building muscle mass involves a focus on hypertrophy exercises, comprising both compound movements to engage multiple muscle groups and isolation movements for specific targeting, typically utilizing lower weights and higher repetitions.

The chest, or pectoral region, located on the front of the upper torso, is primarily activated through horizontal presses and shoulder adduction exercises, such as presses and flys.

Chest and triceps exercises often complement each other due to their synergistic roles in pushing movements, where the chest is the primary mover and the triceps provide supportive engagement.

The 9 Best Chest and Tricep Exercises with Weight Machines to Build Muscle Mass

Ranked By

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

  • 1. 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
  • 2. Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

    Smith Machine Incline Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    747,394
    Chest Strength
    92 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is a chest exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability, making it ideal for beginners who want to focus on their form and strength without worrying about balance.

    How to do it

    1. Set the bench at a 40-60 degree incline and lie back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    2. Plant your feet firmly on the ground beneath your knees and keep your back in contact with the bench.
    3. Position the Smith machine bar over your chest with a shoulder-width grip and keep your core tight.
    4. Unhook the bar and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Touch the bar gently to your chest, then press it back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 3. 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
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 4. 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
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 5. Smith Machine Decline Press

    Smith Machine Decline Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    121,517
    Chest Strength
    87 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Decline Bench
    Decline Bench

    The Smith Machine Decline Press is a safe exercise that strengthens the lower chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability and support, making it ideal for beginners to practice proper form during their workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Lie back on a decline bench, squeezing your shoulder blades together and securing your legs to the bench.
    2. Keep your head, shoulders, and butt in contact with the bench at all times.
    3. Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    4. Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lightly touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 6. Machine Tricep Dip

    Machine Tricep Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,285,047
    Triceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Tricep Dip Machine
    Tricep Dip Machine

    Machine Tricep Dips are a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps using a machine. The machine provides stability, making it easier to concentrate on the movement without worrying about balance. This exercise is ideal for building muscle and preparing for bodyweight dips.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the tricep dip machine, pressing your lower back and shoulders against the back pad.
    2. Grab the handles with your palms facing in and elbows bent at 90 degrees.
    3. Keep your elbows close to your body and extend your arms.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    75lbs
    2
    8reps
    75lbs
    3
    8reps
    75lbs
  • 7. Machine Tricep Extension

    Machine Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,118,041
    Triceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Triceps Extension Machine
    Triceps Extension Machine

    The Machine Tricep Extension is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps. Using a machine helps stabilize your movement, ensuring that only your triceps are engaged while keeping your elbows steady against the pad.

    How to do it

    1. Sit up straight in the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Grab the handles with your palms facing in (neutral grip).
    3. Keep your upper arms parallel in front of your shoulders.
    4. Extend your elbows to lower the handles, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
    5. Before fully extending your elbows, return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 8. Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press

    Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    281,862
    Triceps Strength
    64 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press is a safe way to strengthen your triceps, chest, and shoulders. This exercise focuses on your triceps, helping to build arm strength and muscle definition, making it great for beginners and experienced lifters alike.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Keep your heels flat on the floor.
    2. Ensure the bench touches your head, shoulders, and butt throughout the exercise.
    3. Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it with your hands directly above your shoulders.
    4. Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it to your chest by bending your elbows.
    5. Gently touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 9. Assisted Dip

    Assisted Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    551,433
    Triceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Assisted Weight Machine
    Assisted Weight Machine

    The Assisted Dip is a modified version of the standard dip, designed for beginners. It primarily works the triceps and provides support by using a counterweight, making it easier to maintain balance and focus on the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the dip bars with your arms straight.
    2. Kneel on the assisted dip machine pad and engage your core.
    3. Lean slightly forward and keep your shoulders back.
    4. Bend your elbows to lower your body until they are at a 90-degree angle.
    5. Push back up to the starting position by straightening your elbows.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Weight Machines to Build Muscle Mass

Alternative Chest and Tricep Workouts to Build Muscle Mass

Alternative Chest and Tricep Workouts with Weight Machines