When you look at a solidstrength-training program, theres one key part that tends to stick out: balance.
And thus the cycle continues.
Heres what it’s crucial that you know about this often-overlooked muscle group.
Katie Thompson
What are your pectoral muscles?
Your breast tissue sits above it.
Your pectoralis minor is the little guy, she says.
This thin, triangular muscle is much smaller and sits underneath the pectoralis major.
It runs from your shoulder blade to your rib cage.
Your pecs also aid in the inhalation portion of breathing, Miranda says.
What are the benefits of training your pectoral muscles?
Your pecs also help stabilize your shoulder and shoulder blade, Miranda says, which helps guard against injury.
Plus, your pecs play a role in yourposture.
Plus, if your pecs are tight, your other muscleslike your trapshave to work harder, Darbouze says.
So both strengtheningandstretching your pecs is important to add to your workout routine.
What are the best exercises for your pectoral muscles?
This can make it harder to translate to full-body-tension push-ups down the line.
(The higher your hands are elevated, the easier it will be.)
As for how to implement these pec exercises into your routine?
Instead, shoot to incorporate pec exercises and pushing exercises into your regular workouts.
What should you do if you injure your pectoral muscles?
Fortunately, its actually pretty rare to tear your pec muscles, says Miranda.
Its a very strong muscleit takes a lot of force to tear it, she says.
This messes with your bodys alignment, which puts your muscles at a disadvantage, making them weaker.
Making a point tostretchyour pecs regularly can help.
Keep one foot forward and one back.
Lean into the doorway so you feel a stretch across both sides of your chest.
Hold that position for 30 to 45 seconds.
After all, your pec musclesarebreathing muscles.
you might also take this stretch to the mat with alying pec stretch, says Darbouze.
Lie on your stomach and extend your arms to the side so your body is in a T-shape.
Youll feel the stretch in your right pecs.
