How To: Do a chest press exercise with resistance tubing

This exercise is great for shaping and strengthening the chest muscles. The chest is scientifically named the pectoralis. This muscle is used any time you push a chair up to the table, shut a car door, or push a shopping cart. There are two muscles that make up the pectoralis. They are the pectoralis major and minor. The pectoralis major is always the prime mover during chest exercises.

The chest press with resistance tubing can be done both seated and standing. First, anchor the resistance tubing to any stationary object, preferably at chest level. Grasp hold of the tubing handles and lunge forward on one foot. You should feel a stretch in the chest muscles. Slowly push the tubing forward in a straight line, just short of locking your elbows. Be sure to exhale as you stretch the tubing forward. The resistance tubing can travel under or over your arms depending on your personal preference. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat. The resistance level can be adjusted by stepping closer to or further away from the anchor point, or by switching to a heavier or lighter resistance tube.

Step 1
Anchor resistance tubing. Lunge forward with tubing handles by chest area.

Step 2
Extend hands forward in a straight line, just short of locking elbows. Exhale.

Step 3
Slowly return to the starting position and repeat several times.