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Resistance Band Chest Press

Beginner
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A horizontal push using resistance bands that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps to build upper-body strength and endurance; ideal for home or travel workouts with variable resistance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

7/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor the band at chest height behind you using a door or sturdy point. Stand facing away with feet staggered for stability, holding handles at chest level with elbows bent at 90 degrees.

  1. Brace your core and squeeze shoulder blades together.
  2. Exhale and press handles forward until arms are nearly straight, squeezing your chest.
  3. Inhale and slowly return handles to starting position, bending elbows to 90 degrees.
  4. Maintain control against the band's resistance throughout.
  5. Repeat for desired reps, keeping posture upright.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze chest at extension
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Core tight, ribs down
  • Press through mid-chest

Breathing

Inhale during the return phase; exhale forcefully as you press forward while bracing your core.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully forward without locking elbows; return until elbows form 90-degree angles at chest height.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor is secure to prevent slippage
  • Use appropriate band tension to maintain form
  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain present
  • Keep elbows tucked to protect shoulders

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use a partner to check anchor stability if needed, or perform lying variation on floor for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Arching lower back
  • Snapping band back quickly
  • Poor anchor security

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent chest or elbow injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder horizontal flexion to 180 degrees
  • Adequate wrist extension

Build Up First

  • Basic pushing movement pattern
  • Familiarity with band handling

Also known as

Banded Chest Press, Standing Band Press, Band Horizontal Press

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