Question: I’m trying to improve my chest size and strength. Does decline press offer anything different than
incline/normal bench? I mix up free weights and barbell to keep my muscles guessing. I did read one time somewhere that all 3 (incline, flat, decline) work different parts of the chest, true? Stevie / Boca Raton, FL
Answer: They do each emphasize different parts of the chest. But the decline DB press activates more motor units (muscle fibers) than any chest exercise (at least of those tested). It hits the pec major so well because it largely takes the anterior delts (shoulders) out of the movement.
So, assuming the lower 2/3 of your chest could use some improvement, I’d do declines on a regular basis, especially Decline Dumbbell Press.
Dr Clay
What is the best way to get the weights into position? I’ve never done heavy DB decline presses for this reason.
I start with them on my knees and just rock back letting them sort of ‘fall into place.’
I can better illustrate via video…but maybe that’ll help for now.