Thread: Chest Questions

Instead of making a bunch of multiple threads, I'll just ask them all here:

1. Is it ok to only do dumbell movements, and not do any bar movements? I've always felt db's more, so I haven't done any bar movements in months (except decline bar every now and then) Just wondering if I'm missing out on anything.

2. What's the best way to warm up on incline db's? Today I did 45x20, then 70x15, and then did my first set 100x12...But I felt stiff, and I never feel ready to go. I also did 5 minutes on the treadmill at 3.5 mph, before I started the warmup sets. What else should I do? I don't feel smooth, and ready to do until my 3rd or 4th working set.

3. Where should the incline bench be set at? The one at my gym is adjustable. Does anyone know a good degree to keep it at? Is there anyway to tell if I had it in the right spot?

4. Does the order of my exercises have a strong significane on my chest workout? I usually do Incline DBs, Flat DBs, then a decline, and a fly. Is it stupid to do Incline first everytime? The only reason I figured to do it first, is because it's more difficult then flat, and I figured I could give it my all if I did it first. My gym's db's go up to 125lbs, and I can rep them out pretty easy on flat (If I do it first) When I do it as a second exercise (what I usually do) it's hard to get over 115 for reps.

5. IS it smart to pyramid all my sets? For example on incline dbs, I do 100x12, 105x10, 110x8, 115x6-7...I could just do 115x10, 115x8, 115x6 if I started with it from the beginning. Is there any difference in the way you do it?

6. When you guys are doing decline bench press (I rarely do it) but did it today...Does your head get hot? When I'm laying down my whole head gets burning hot, and flushed, and I almost have trouble completing the set.

7. Is the decline chest press machine (hammer strength) a waste of time? I've watched a few pro bodybuilder videos and alot of them seem to hit the machine for this exercise (as less chance of injury, and better movement?)

8. Do hammer strength machines have a place in a good workout routine? I don't know if it's just B/S but I watch alot of pro videos, and it seems like most of them use the machines for chest? What's up with that? I noticed the incline machine hits my chest better then the db's but I'm not sure If I should use it?

9. Are cable crossovers a better finishing move then pec-deck flies?

Thanks in advance You guys are great.

#4 - I swap between first exercises. On chest I will swap DB incline with flat, shoulder press with arnold press, seated rows with lat pullldown. I train different to you but like to no i can lift more reps when doing it first off.