The chest muscles are made up of 3 muscle groups, Pectoralis Major, Pectoralis Minor and Serratus Anterior. Each group of muscles have their own function from helping to pull the shoulder forward and down to moving the scapula.

Pectoralis

Pectoralis Major

The pectoralis major is a large, substantial, fan-shaped muscle. And as you might guess from the word “major,” it makes up the majority of the chest muscle mass. It originates at your clavicle, ribs, and sternum, and inserts into the upper portion of your humerus (upper arm bone from elbow to shoulder.)

Pectoralis Minor

The pectoralis minor is a thin, triangular muscle that is found underneath the pectoralis major. It attaches at the 3rd, 4th and 5th rib, and it reaches to the scapula (shoulder blade.) Think of it as the little (yet very powerful) brother of the pectoralis major. Its job is to help pull the shoulder forward and down.

Serratus Anterior

The serratus anterior, although not truly part of the chest anatomy, is commonly grouped as part of the chest muscle group because it attaches near the pectorals on the ribs. Its functions are to move the scapula forward and upward.

Chest Exercises

To fully develop your chest, you need to hit it with heavy weight using a couple smartly chosen exercises, such as….

  • Barbell Bench Press
  • Dumbbell Fly
  • Dumbbell Incline Bench Press
  • Dumbbell Pullovers
  • Push up

For more information or help with exercises talk to a member of the gym team.