We've all seen the movies with the buff guys running around with their shirts off, big chest muscles glaring as a reminder to our wives and girlfriends that we are grossly out of shape.
It's not for lack of trying - bench pressing out in the garage or even hitting the gym occasionally to press there.
Unfortunately, those dedicated people who are active in trying to build up their chest muscles are falling short because they are not varying their routine.
The barbell bench press is a great exercise to do, but by itself it simply does not offer enough variety to work out all of the associated muscles that will provide the chest we desire.
You might think adding more weight would increase results, but the answer lies in doing more exercises, and even doing heavy and light weights in the same day.
Flys and presses When looking to increase the exercises, flys and presses are the place to look.
Shake it up by doing incline, decline and of course flat variations.
Flys will pinpoint the pecs more than the other exercises.
Every now and then, cables can be used for crossovers and standing presses.
Also include hand dumbbells from time to time instead of the barbells.
Pushups Even though you can do a pushup anywhere there is a flat open floor area, don't underestimate this useful and important exercise.
With your natural weight built in, elevating your feet will increase the resistance and add to the effectiveness.
Pullovers The serratus anterior, or boxer's muscle, can be increased with pullovers.
This muscle is on the side of the chest under the arms and is responsible for pulling the scapula forward and comes in handy when throwing a punch.
Yoga and pilates Guys might think that yoga or pilates wouldn't be considered a masculine exercise, but I guarantee that an hour of pilates will result in the most incredible soreness ever experienced in the rib cage area.
Swimming is another exercise that will help add chest muscle.