Pushing a shopping cart, pulling your dog down the sidewalk, lugging heavy boxes and grocery bags- all of these tasks require you to put your back and chest into it. The best way to make these daily activities easier? A stronger upper body- strengthening those back and chest muscles will do the trick! And not only will strengthening these muscles make these tasks easier- they’ll make you look toned, fit, and strong.
Many people ignore these muscles, as they’re so focused on legs, arms, or core- things they expect people to see. But they underestimate how toned and fit a strong back and chest will make them look, as well as the balance and strength the back and chest will lend to support other muscle groups throughout all workouts and daily life.
So to work on building strong chest and back exercises, and to prepare you to push and pull anything as if it was light as a feather- I’ve put together some of my favorite chest and back exercises, to get you started!
The Workout
Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps of each exercise. Focusing on good form, and slow accurate movements. Use a weight that challenges you, but you’re able to complete your reps and sets. If you cannot complete your reps and sets, drop down the weight so that you can. Rest between sets up to 3 minutes, or until your effort drops below 40.
Once you can do these exercises with ease feel free to bump up the weight, decrease the rest, or superset the exercises by doing them circuit style to increase your calorie burn and finish your workout quicker.
The Exercises
Good luck, please let me know if you have any questions in the comments!