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Chain Press

A intermediate powerlifting exercise for the chest, done with a other equipment.

Chain Press: starting positionChain Press: finishing position
Main muscles
Chest
Also works
Shoulders and Triceps
Equipment
Other equipment
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Movement
Push

How to do the Chain Press

  1. Begin by connecting the chains to the cable handle attachments. Position yourself on the flat bench in the same position as for a dumbbell press. Your wrists should be pronated and arms perpendicular to the floor. This will be your starting position.
  2. Lower the chains by flexing the elbows, unloading some of the chain onto the floor.
  3. Continue until your elbow forms a 90 degree angle, and then reverse the motion by extending through the elbow to lockout.

Sets and reps

Strength3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Questions

What muscles does the Chain Press work?

Mainly the chest, with the shoulders and triceps helping.

Is the Chain Press good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can build up to it with a simpler variation first.

How many sets and reps of the Chain Press should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).