How to Build Stomach & Chest Muscles

Building a muscular chest.

Building a strong and impressive chest with a nice chiseled abdomen takes dedication and hard work. Results may come quickly at first for some, but may take longer for others and eventually reach a plateau. To have a success in building muscle in your chest and abdomen, you will need a consistent workout schedule and diet. It is always important to make sure you have a healthy diet in combination with your workout programs.

Things You'll Need

• Optional weight set

Instructions

1. Plan your schedule. If you want to see good results, you will want to keep a steady workout schedule. In most cases, you can work out your chest and abs in the same day. However, it is a good idea to have at least one day of rest between workouts. Also, if you want a balanced workout, try working out other muscle groups on an every other day basis; such as chest and abs on Monday, back and biceps on Wednesday and legs on Friday.

2. Plan your diet. For the best results in your weightlifting routine, you will need to properly supply your body with healthy nutrients. Make sure you are eating the right amount of calories for your goals; if you want to lean out try reducing your calories, if you want to gain muscle mass try increasing your daily calories. Consume adequate amounts of protein by eating more fish, beef, pork and chicken. Protein shakes are also great at increasing your daily protein consumption.

3. Do compound lifts. When building a strong and powerful chest you will want to do compound lifts that work multiple muscles. Some great compound exercises for chest will also work out your shoulders, triceps and secondarily your forearms. Compound exercises for chest include bench press, incline press, decline press, dumbbell flies, dips and push-ups. For your stomach, exercises such as sit-ups and leg raises will give you an effective ab workout.

4. Increase your weight and repetitions. Every workout try to do a little more than your previous workout. You can do this by increasing the weight that you are lifting, or by the amount of times you lift it. Increased weight will help build more mass because of the increased stress on the muscles; whereas higher repetitions will lean out the muscles, increase the workout duration and help burn more calories.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to consult a physician before beginning any new workout program.

References

• Bodybuilding: Anatomy Of The Chest
• Sixpack Now: Ab Exercises and Workouts