Fortunately, you're not alone. The majority of men consider how to modify their body. The route everyone chooses may be different, but if you want to improve your look, strength, and endurance, a solid chest workout is a great place to start.
You don’t even need a Hollywood trainer. Although studies suggest a personal trainer will help you to improve your fitness, what you actually need is determination, support, and the right exercises. You can get all of it from the Fit Father Project. Take a look at this free muscle workout. It will target muscles throughout your body.
You'll want to supplement a chest workout with exercises that build up the rest of your body. This will help ensure your body looks in proportion.
Don’t forget the importance of stretching before and after you exercise. This will reduce muscle soreness and the chance of injury.
What Are The 5 Best Muscle Building Exercises For Men 40+?
The secret to building age-defying muscle in your in 40s, 50s, & 60s is to modify the best muscle building exercises (bench, squats, rows) to make them safe on your joints…
The Chest Workout That Really Makes A Difference
There are several exercises you should undertake in order to improve the strength and look of your chest. You should be able to do these chest exercises at home with nothing more than a bit of space and a set of dumbbells.
You should also know that chest muscles consists of an upper and lower portion. Although you probably want to emphasize the upper chest muscle, it is important to target both parts of your chest muscle. This will improve your look and strength effectively.
The best way to do this is with pushing movements. It is also important to note that the best way of increasing any muscle is by using heavier weights.
Flat Dumbbell Press
Also known as the dumbbell bench press, the flat dumbbell press is the go-to for working your pecs. Check out the right procedure with this video.
You’ll need two dumbbells and a bench. Sit comfortably on the bench with a weight in each hand, resting on your thighs.
When you’re ready, lie back and push the weights directly up so that your arms are straight. Slowly bring the weights down. Your elbows should dip below the bench height as the weights sit next to and just above your chest.
Repeat, you need to be aiming for 3 sets of 8 reps with the heaviest weight you can handle.
Incline Dumbbell Press
You won’t be surprised to find that this is a variation of the flat bench press and is especially good for your upper chest muscles. It will also work your shoulders and triceps.
You’ll need a workout bench that can be adjusted. Set the angle for your back to 45°. Next, sit on the bench with your dumbbells resting on your thighs.
Lean back until you are comfortable and bring the dumbbells in line with your ribs. Your arms should be bent at a 90° angle.
Keep your upper back against the bench and then push the dumbbells up; straightening your arms without locking them. Then slowly lower the weights back to the starting position.
Again you’re looking to do 3 sets of 8 reps with the heaviest weight possible.
Decline Dumbbell Press
This chest workout will allow you to focus on the lower part of your chest while the dumbbells will help to build balance and core strength.
In essence, this is the same movement as the flat dumbbell press. The only real difference is that you need to adjust the back of your bench to a downward angle. You can start with a small incline and increase this when you feel comfortable doing so.
Dumbbell Chest Fly
This variant of the dumbbell press will benefit your chest and arms.
Again you’ll need to start on the bench, but if don't have a bench, you can simply lie on the floor.
With your back firmly on the bench and your feet on the floor hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inwards. Push your arms up straight; then slowly move the dumbbells out to the side of your body.
To start with it is best to bend your arms at the elbows; allowing your upper arm to stay level with the bench. Once you get better at this you can keep your arms straight and move the weight further away from your body.
Once again you’re aiming for 3 sets of 8 reps; the weight you choose should leave you struggling to finish but without breaking form.
Push Ups
You probably already know how to do a push up. This simple exercise should never be underestimated. All you need is a little space. It will work your chest, shoulders, and arms.
Simply keep your toes on the floor and your arms straight, ideally below your shoulders. Lower yourself down until your chest is nearly touching the floor but keeping the line of your body straight. Then push yourself back to the starting position and repeat. Do 3 sets of 8 reps.
You can make this more challenging by using push up handles, which increase the drop and work your muscles harder.
Dips
For this, you’ll need two rails or firm surfaces that you can grip. The idea is to hold onto them and lift your legs, bending them at the knee.
You’ll then be able to move from a straight arm position to lowering yourself down between the bars and back up again.
Dips work your upper and lower chest muscles as well as your triceps.
You don’t need to purchase a dipping station to do the dip. You can use chairs or bar stools, a corner section of your kitchen countertop, or even the back of your couch.
Building Your Chest Workout Routine
Knowing the right steps to improve the definition and strength of your chest is a great starting point. But you do need to mix your exercises up and give your chest muscles a chance to recover. This is why it’s a great idea to do the above exercises every other day.
On your ‘off’ day you can check out this free 24-minute workout. You should also enlist some friends or even join one of our outstanding programs. Get all the support and advice you need to successfully start your chest workout and keep doing it. It won’t take long for you to notice the difference!
What Are The 5 Best Muscle Building Exercises For Men 40+?
The secret to building age-defying muscle in your in 40s, 50s, & 60s is to modify the best muscle building exercises (bench, squats, rows) to make them safe on your joints…
Your new friend & health coach,
Stuart Carter, Dip. PT, Precision Nutrition 1
C.O.O., The Fit Father Project
Stuart gained his Diploma in Personal Training & Sports Medicine through Premier Global, back in 2001. In 2018, he completed his Level 1 Precision Nutrition qualification.
Throughout his career in Fitness, Stuart has trained hundreds of clients, worked in almost every position in the industry, and ran his own successful training studio.
After a hiatus away from the Fitness industry, working in Corporate Management and Finance, Stuart returned to what he loves… Fitness! This return led to a chance meeting with Dr. Balduzzi, and a place in the Fit Father Project team.
Here’s How Busy Guys 40+ Are Building Age-Defying Muscle And Strength… Working Out Just 3 Hours Per Week...
This proven "Old School Muscle Program For Guys 40+" combines the “old school” bodybuilding secrets with the “new school” science… to produce muscle & strength building results fast.
Only for guys 40+ who want to build muscle.
If you're frustrated with stubborn belly fat, failed diets, and time-consuming workouts, this is the answer you’ve been looking for…
- Old School Muscle (OSM) covers every aspect of building muscle for you as a guy 40+:
- The 9-Week Muscle Building Program – safe, joint-friendly exercises
- VIP Accountability Coaching – our Fit Father Team will personally walk you to success, step-by-step.