The pectoral muscles are the muscles of the chest. They are a large muscle group extending from the arm pits across the chest to the sternum and up to the collar bone. Pectoral muscles are much more prominent in men. Big pectoral muscles are seen as a sign of strength. Body builders consider them one of the most important muscle groups to develop for a good physique.
Features
There are pectoral muscles on both sides of the chest. Each side contains two muscles. The pectoralis major is the primary muscle of the chest and makes up most of its bulk. It lies on top of the pectoralis minor. It is a much thinner muscle that is connected to your shoulder blade at the top and stretches down to your ribs. Each muscle performs different functions.
Function
The pectoralis major muscles are used to push your arms forward, lower them downward and turn them inward. They give your arms the power to move forcefully through most of their range of motion. The pectoralis minor muscles are used to bring your shoulder blades down. This is necessary for you to push down on something with your arms.
Significance
Large and well defined are viewed as a symbol of virility in men. Greek gods were shirtless and showed off their bulging pectoral muscles. Great works of art like Michelangelo's David statue and painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel feature idealized figures with prominent pectoral muscles. Men attempting to improve their physique always focus on their pectoral muscles as a primary focus of their work outs.
Types
There are many types of exercises that can build and develop pectoral muscles. Pushing motions with resistance help develop size in the pectoralis major muscles. Examples of these exercises include push ups and the chest press. "Fly" motions with resistance help develop definition in the pectoralis major muscles. A fly motion is moving arms from straight out to the sides to straight out above the chest. These can be done lying down on a flat bench with a light dumbbell in each hand. The pectoralis minor muscles can be exercised with dips. The body weight is held up by straight arms. The elbows are bent lowering the body then pushed up again.
Considerations
When developing pectoral muscles with exercise, make sure you also work on your back muscles. Pectoral muscles help you push and back muscles help you pull. If you only work one side of your body you will become unbalanced. This will lead to injury and a disproportional appearance. You need both muscle groups to be even. Allow your pectoral muscles to heal completely before doing more resistance exercises with them. If you are sore, your body is telling you to wait. Rest is an important element in pectoral muscle development.
Tags: pectoral muscles, pectoralis major, major muscles, pectoralis major muscles, pectoralis minor, your arms, back muscles