02/24/2026
The Upper Body Secret Most Women Avoid (But Shouldn’t)
Misconception of "Bulking":
Many women fear that training their chest will lead to developing large, masculine pectoral muscles. In reality, generally speaking, higher testosterone usually contributes to easily building a bulky, large pec region, and regular training usually results in just a toned, firm, and lifted appearance.
Focus on Other Areas:
Many fitness routines for women heavily prioritize the glutes, legs, and abs. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But, why not challenge some upper body muscles? Training pecs also help train triceps and deltoids.
Despite the low popularity, fitness professionals encourage women to train their pecs for several reasons:
Improved Posture and Balance:
Consistent training of the chest muscles helps balance the upper body, which is crucial for overall posture and, studies show it can help with back pain.
Functional Strength:
Stronger pectorals make everyday activities—like pushing, lifting, and carrying—easier. Other benefits of push ups include higher overall upper body strength for handling even more strenuous tasks.
Aesthetics:
Training the chest can lead to a more balanced, defined, and more toned appearance in certain attire.
Increased Metabolism:
Training a large muscle group like the chest contributes to building overall muscle mass, which helps in burning more calories.
More here: https://leanbody.com/blogs/diet-nutrition/lean-body-8-week-training-and-nutrition-guide
