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Pushups, Chest Presses and Chest Flies

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Chest Press with Resistance Bands

Using a resistance band is a great way to target the chest in a different way and change things up when the usual exercises get a little dull. The band can actually make this exercise feel tougher, but you always have control over the level of tension by moving closer or further away from the center of the band.
  1. Wrap the band around something stable behind you and hold handles in both hands so that the bands run along the inside of the arms.
  2. Position yourself far enough away (either sitting or standing) so that you have tension on the bands.
  3. Begin the movement with the arms bent, palms facing down.
  4. Squeeze chest and press arms out in front of you, keeping the band stable. Do not lock the elbows.
  5. Repeat for 1 to 3 sets of 8 to 16 reps.

Tips

  • Don't let the elbows go too far back as you bring the arms in. This could strain the shoulders, and you want to keep all the work in the chest.
  • Keep the motion slow and controlled -- try not to use momentum.
  • Adjust your position or loop the bands around your hands if you need more tension.
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