Breathing
Inhale during the controlled lowering phase and exhale as you press away. Avoid holding your breath unintentionally.
Getting your next view ready…
The Machine Chest Press primarily works the chest, with the shoulders and triceps supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with machine.

1 / 2How to
Movement instructions
Sit down on the Chest Press Machine and select the weight.
Step on the lever provided by the machine since it will help you to bring the handles forward so that you can grab the handles and fully extend the arms.
Grab the handles with a palms-down grip and lift your elbows so that your upper arms are parallel to the floor to the sides of your torso. Tip: Your forearms will be pointing forward since you are grabbing the handles. Once you bring the handles forward and extend the arms you will be at the starting position.
Now bring the handles back towards you as you breathe in.
Push the handles away from you as you flex your pecs and you breathe out. Hold the contraction for a second before going back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of reps.
When finished step on the lever again and slowly get the handles back to their original place.
Technique guidance
Inhale during the controlled lowering phase and exhale as you press away. Avoid holding your breath unintentionally.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same machine setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Machine Chest Press sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Chest is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the chest using something else.
Related
Get the app
Add it to a routine, record every completed set, and keep the workout saved on your phone even when the gym has no reception.