Q&A for How to Build a Big Chest

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  • Question
    Can you get a big chest from just pushups?
    Monica Morris
    ACE Certified Personal Trainer
    Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques.
    ACE Certified Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    To a degree, yes. Any exercise that utilizes your own body weight as resistance will help you build muscle. You don't need a ton of weightlifting equipment at home to get a big chest!
  • Question
    I am 14 and I weigh 110 lbs. I want to weigh 130 lbs in the next few months. What is a good way to gain weight?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Gaining muscle takes at least 6 to 8 weeks. Be patient and keep lifting. Be sure to consume enough calories to gain weight. Try protein powder shakes for gaining weight or drink chocolate milk in addition to eating your regular meals.
  • Question
    Can you suggest the exercise to enlarge my chest using the resistance band?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    To work the chest muscles with a resistance band you need to anchor the band behind you and pull the ends of the band forward. Single arm pec flyes can be done with one end of the band positioned behind you and out to the side. Pull the band forward starting with your arm extended all the way out to the side.
  • Question
    I like food but I want to get rid of my belly. What do I do?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    You can still eat and enjoy your food. Just moderate or reduce your portions by small amounts to start. Once you see the weight coming off, you will be motivated to eat healthier.
  • Question
    How many push-ups do I have to do to get a big chest?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Doing just push-ups, your muscles will adapt in a matter of 4-12 weeks and stop growing, so add some variety like pec flyes and bench presses, or change up your hand position on the push-ups every 2-4 weeks.
  • Question
    Can drinking beer help improve my chest?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    No. Drinking beer is like drinking soda. It gives you a beer belly, not a big chest. Opt for milk or chocolate milk if you need more calories.
  • Question
    What foods should I eat to get a bigger chest?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    We need to consume enough protein in order to build muscle. An easy way to think of it is to consume each day, around 1 gram of protein for each kilogram you weigh.
  • Question
    How fast can you build your chest?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    If you feed your body right, you can build muscle in 6-8 weeks through consistent resistance training, 2-4 times per week.
  • Question
    How can I increase my chest width?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    You can build the pectoral muscles by doing heavy resistance training continuously for over 8 weeks. The size or width of your rib cage and bone structure, however, will not change if you have finished growing.
  • Question
    Will doing daily push-ups help my chest get bigger?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they will. However, everything takes time and it may take about a month for maximum growth to occur. Also make sure as you are doing these daily push ups, so that you keep pushing up reps and you don't get too comfortable.
  • Question
    What exercises can I do at home without dumbbells?
    Community Answer
    You can do a cobra stance, for instance. Lie down on your stomach with your hands at your head level, then push up and expand your chest. Repeat frequently.
  • Question
    Will just working out on bench help build bigger chest?
    Community Answer
    If you're only doing one movement, then you'll have a harder time building up your whole chest. Adding in other exercises such as incline presses, crossovers, and dips can work your chest in ways that a conventional barbell press doesn't.
  • Question
    How do you get a bigger chest if you're 13?
    Community Answer
    Let your chest grow naturally. Everyone has a different body type but if you're 13, there isn't much you can do.
  • Question
    What is the best type of supplement for building mass?
    Community Answer
    Whey protein is a good supplement but for maximum growth. Ingest it after your workout as well as before. (This is a reader suggestion, you are advised to talk to your doctor or do plentiful research.)
  • Question
    How can I increase my chest size if I can only work out at home?
    Community Answer
    Do crunches, push ups and bicycle legs. Not only will you work your chest, but your core as well. You can also search at home techniques to build a bigger chest.
  • Question
    My left pec is smaller than my right one. What is happening and how can I resolve this?
    Community Answer
    This problem can develop if you favor one side more than the other. Our dominant side will be stronger, and therefore build muscle faster. Continue doing the exercises, but focus on evenly distributing your weight to pull with both sides.
  • Question
    I am an 18-year-old boy and my weight is 48 kg. I've been using many supplements, but they don't show any positive results. How can I gain weight?
    Community Answer
    Okay first off, return the supplements. You will see results if your training and diet are correct and supplements are not needed and a waste of money.
  • Question
    How do I build my chest evenly?
    Community Answer
    Always work both sides consistently. If you are doing things that involve more of one side of your chest than the other, try doing the other side until you see progress in it.
  • Question
    I'm eating a lot of food, but I'm still not getting good results. Do you have any suggestions?
    Community Answer
    Try a gluten free diet, with plenty of beans and vegetables. You can also try some of the workout regimes suggested in the article. Keep in mind that it may take a few months before you notice any results.
  • Question
    Can supplements be bad for my health?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but they can also be very beneficial. You should always take the recommended dosage and never more. You could also get a doctor's recommendation; he or she will know exactly what's right for you.
  • Question
    I only want a bulky chest, I want my arms to remain the same. How can I accomplish this?
    Community Answer
    Do wide grip push ups and tilt your hands inside more, this way you are using your chest instead of your triceps.
  • Question
    Can chest exercises get rid of gynecomastia?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, no they can not. Building the muscle in your chest and losing body fat will help reduce the aesthetic size of it, but will not totally eliminate it. It is a gland behind the nipple that is causing the "puffy" look, and the only way to have it completely go away is to remove the gland.
  • Question
    How do I ensure that I am using the right form for exercise?
    Community Answer
    Always keep your spine straight to prevent the weight from changing your straight posture. Avoid pulling yourself too far back, as this will hurt your back.
  • Question
    What kind of protein shakes are the best?
    Raphael Key
    Top Answerer
    Short answer: chocolate. Long answer: the differences between your high end expensive protein powders and your budget protein powders aren't that important. So long as you get enough protein in you to build muscle! remember that you can't out-supplement a so-so diet. So don't get drawn in by the $100 protein with the ripped dude on the side, just pick up the $20 stuff and you'll be a-okay. Also, if you get to choose a flavour, pick chocolate.
  • Question
    I lift heavy weights and do intensive workouts. But I don't eat much due to work. I usually eat twice a day. Will I get a bigger chest even if I only eat twice daily but working out very hard?
    Community Answer
    You should eat enough calories to fuel your workouts. If you don't, you will fatigue easier. I only eat twice a day, but I eat a lot to keep my calorie intake high, and I have no problem keeping my workouts just as intense each day.
  • Question
    What is the difference in terms of benefits with whey and creatine? Can they be taken together?
    Ava Belle
    Community Answer
    While both creatine and whey protein promote muscle gain, they differ in the ways they work. Creatine increases strength and muscle mass by increasing exercise capacity, whereas whey protein does so by stimulating increased muscle protein synthesis.
  • Question
    I'm using whey protein about one bit I gain nothing, what should I need to do?
    Community Answer
    Try to look for protein in more natural sources (meat, yogurt, etc). Lifting heavy weights for lesser reps will also be more beneficial and can lead to better results.
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