Thread: How do I work the inside edge of chest

Originally Posted by poohiron

I agree that motor units are either recruited or not. Variation in recruitment order partially determines the effect elicited from the exercise used. Utilize exercises with different ranges of motion to knock off different MUs with different thresholds.

Yes, but this still should have no impact on whether the "inner" or "outer" chest is preferentially recruited. Muscle fibers always run the length of origin to insertion. This suggests that in order for the "inner chest" to contract separately from other sections of the chest you would have to be able to contract part of a muscle fiber. Motor units don't allow for contraction of parts of a muscle fiber. They allow for contraction of different groups of muscle fibers.

You sometimes hear the argument that you can't isolate but you can emphasize. Concerning the "inner" vs "outer" chest, this is a complete fallacy. It's a biomechanical principle that tension is consistent from one end of a muscle fiber to another.

Originally Posted by aminoman74

The chest has 3 major heads upper middle and lower.

The pectoralis major is comprised of two muscles: the sternal and clavicular heads. There is also a pectoralis minor; perhaps this is what you are referring to? If so, that muscle is located too deep to have a significant impact on your physique. The pectoralis major and deltoids sit over top of it.

Originally Posted by njc

X2

I dont understand it when people say "ALWAYS USE FULL ROM WHEN POSSIBLE." Wrong. Maximum tension is created at the turnaround point of each rep, ie-the end of concentric concraction and eccentric contraction. Might as well spread the love and create as many differenct turnaround points as possible. Keeps the CNS guessing as well and helps to decrease stagnation of workouts.

fyi-im not saying that this will help you concentrate on building your "inner chest"

This is now what he was suggesting. There is a difference. By changing up the movement pattern you cause different muscles to be called upon to differing degrees at various joint angles. Depending on the joint angle at which the muscle must become most active to coordinate the movement, you will recruit different motor units and place tension on the muscle at differing lengths.