The Workout No One Is Talking About: Are You Missing the Boat on Chest and Triceps?
iMuscles NutritionLet’s be real for a second:
You’re benching, you’re pushing, you’re grinding, and still… that chest looks flatter than your post-leg-day energy. And those triceps? More like “tri-sad.”
Here’s the truth bomb — most people are doing chest and triceps all wrong, and there’s a workout strategy no one’s talking about that could change your gains forever.
Why Chest and Triceps Are a Power Couple
Chest and triceps are like Batman and Robin — they thrive when trained together. Here’s why:
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Chest movements (like bench press) heavily involve the triceps.
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Triceps are responsible for elbow extension, which is the final push in almost every pressing movement.
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Training them together means synergistic overload — more strength, more hypertrophy.
Yet most bros at the gym treat chest day like a solo act and throw in triceps as an afterthought.
Spoiler: That’s leaving serious gains on the table.
The Science: Why Traditional Workouts Aren’t Cutting It
Most people follow the same copy-paste routine:
- Bench Press 3x10
- Incline Dumbbell Press 3x10
- Chest Fly 3x12
- Triceps Pushdown 3x15
- Skull Crushers 3x10
Problem?
- Reps are too predictable.
- No progressive overload strategy.
- Poor exercise selection and volume mismatch.
- No recovery structure.
- And worst of all: NO mechanical tension manipulation.
The Secret Weapon: Push Power Split (PPS Method™)
Alright, let’s crank up the heat. Introducing the Push Power Split (PPS Method™) — a chest and triceps workout framework designed for maximum hypertrophy, joint longevity, and actual results.
PPS Method Principles:
Mechanical Tension > Volume
- Focus on heavy loads and controlled eccentrics.
- No ego-lifting. Just precise execution.
Overload Through Angles
- Flat, incline, and decline variations each target different chest fibers.
- Triceps hit all 3 heads only with varied angles.
The Workout: PPS Chest & Triceps Routine
Do this once a week. Add progressive overload. Track reps, rest, and weight like your life depends on it.
Warm-up (10 minutes total):
- Resistance Band Shoulder Circles – 2x15
- Arm swings + scap push-ups
- Light incline DB press – 2x20 reps (activation only)
PPS Workout (Total Time: ~60–70 mins)
1. Incline Cable Chest Fly (Pre-Exhaust)
3 sets x 15 reps | 60 sec rest
- Controlled tempo (3 sec down)
- Full stretch, peak squeeze
2. Barbell Incline Press (Primary Overload)
4 sets x 6–8 reps | 2 min rest
- Elbows at 45°
- Touch upper chest, explosive push
3. Weighted Dips (Chest Focused)
3 sets x 10–12 reps | 90 sec rest
- Lean forward slightly
- Full ROM or go home
4. Dumbbell Flat Press w/ Pause at Bottom
3 sets x 8–10 reps | 90 sec rest
- 2-sec pause bottom
- Full lockout with triceps flex
5. Overhead Cable Triceps Extension (Long Head Focus)
3 sets x 12–15 reps | 60 sec rest
- Slow negative
- Elbows fixed in space
6. Close-Grip Dumbbell Press
3 sets x 8 reps | 90 sec rest
- Neutral grip
- Controlled push, elbow tracking tight
7. Finisher: Triceps Giant Set
No rest between sets — 3 rounds:
- Rope Pushdowns x 15
- Skull Crushers x 12
- Diamond Push-Ups x AMRAP
Recovery & Frequency Tips
- Train chest/triceps only once a week with this intensity.
- Prioritize sleep, protein intake, and mobility work.
- Add a second lighter volume session ONLY if you’ve recovered by Day 4–5.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing pump over performance – Pump looks cool, but strength and tension build muscle.
- Copying influencers – Just because it looks flashy doesn’t mean it works.
- No deloading – Your triceps need time off too, bro.
- Triceps behind the body – Overhead movements stretch the long head, which many skip. Pro Tips for Even Bigger Gains
- Mind-muscle connection — Don’t just move weight. FEEL the contraction.
- Use wrist wraps on heavy presses to avoid joint strain.
- Control your ego — Go for progressive tension, not max weight flex-offs.
FAQs: Chest & Triceps Workout Edition
Q1: Can I do this workout twice a week?
Only if your recovery is elite. Most people need 5–6 days before repeating this intensity.
Q2: How long until I see results?
Expect visible definition and strength gains in 4–6 weeks if you stay consistent.
Q3: Can beginners try this?
Yes — just scale the weight and focus on form over intensity.
Q4: Should I train chest and triceps separately?
You can, but training them together maximizes time and recovery efficiency due to muscle synergy.
Q5: Are dips safe for shoulders?
Yes, if done with proper form — avoid going too deep and keep tension controlled.