Pinnacle Fitness Blog

Chest Press Machines: Are They Right for Your Gym Routine?

William KirkpatrickJune 11 2025Gym Equipment Guides

Building strong pectoral muscles doesn’t require a barbell bench press alone. Chest press machines offer a safer and often more accessible way to target those muscles, especially for beginners or those recovering from injury. A chest press machine is a resistance training machine designed to work the chest, triceps, and shoulders. Unlike free weights, machines guide your movement on a fixed path, reducing the need for stabilising muscles and lowering the risk of poor form or injury.

There are several styles of chest press machines, each targeting the upper body in slightly different ways. In our online store, we sell both pin-select and plate-loaded chest presses, too, which can make the choice quite overwhelming. Here’s a short guide as to why you should consider them and what types there are.

Types of Chest Press Machines

Seated Chest Press Machine (Horizontal Press)

This is the most common version you’ll find in commercial gyms. You sit upright and push the handles forward at chest height.

Benefits:

Excellent for beginners
Supports correct posture
Good activation of the chest and triceps muscles

This machine is ideal for general strength training and muscle toning, especially for beginners.

Incline Chest Press Machine

This version simulates the incline bench press, targeting the upper chest (clavicular head of the pectorals) more than a standard press.

Benefits:

Adds variety to your chest workout
Develops upper chest definition
Often easier on the shoulders

Popular for aesthetic development and upper-body strength balance. A little bit tougher than the horizontal press, perhaps.

Decline Chest Press Machine

The decline press focuses on the lower portion of the chest and often feels more natural for some users.

Benefits:

Helps build lower chest thickness
May reduce shoulder strain
Engages lower pecs and triceps

This machine is often used in bodybuilding routines to add mass to the lower pecs.

Key Benefits of Chest Press Machines

So why incorporate them into your gym routine?

You don’t need a spotter if you attempt heavier weights like you would if you were using a barbell. That means that you can go to the gym solo, which is more convenient.
The machine reduces injury risk. The guided motion supports joints.
If you are a beginner, it is easier to get the technique right on a machine that is designed to target that muscle group.
It’s time-efficient as you can add weight really easily for both pin select and plate loaded versions.
They’re also ideal for all ages to do strength training. NHS Physical Activity Guidelines recommend regular strength training for adults twice a week—machines like the chest press can help you meet those goals safely, whatever your age.

Here at Pinnacle Fitness, we have a huge range of chest press machines, both new and refurbished by some fantastic brands. Get in touch with the team if you need any help selecting the right machine for you.

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