Charles Glass is kicking off the New Year with value-packed workout demonstrations. In his latest endeavor, shared via YouTube on December 31, 2024, he broke down a chest routine that can help you build strength, size, and definition.
Known as ‘The Godfather of Bodybuilding,’ Glass’ proprietary techniques and approach to exercise are second to none. He’s shaped elite bodybuilders like Dexter Jackson, Chris Cormier, and the late Shawn Rhoden to high-profile celebrities like ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan, Wesley Snipes, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
He boasts over 35 years of experience training individuals at Gold’s Gym Venice, a mecca for bodybuilding. In that time, he’s observed and learned specific angles and setups to exercises for maximizing muscle growth and power, which were on full display in this routine.
Charles Glass’ Chest Routine That Maximizes Strength, Size, and Definition
Find the exercise selections below:
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- Hammer Strength Decline Press — 4 sets of 10-14 reps
- Machine Seated Chest Flye — 4 sets of 10-14 reps
- Bodyweight Dips — 3 sets of 8-12 reps
- Smith V-Bar Champagne Press — 3 sets of 12 controlled reps
Glass explained that this chest workout is ideal for building strength, size, and definition.
“In this video, I’ve got a complete chest workout to help you build strength, size, and definition. From powerful presses to finishing moves that maximize your pump, I’ll show you how to make every rep count and take your chest to the next level.”
He stresses that it’s important to switch exercises if you’ve stuck to the same routine for a long time.
“You don’t do the same [routine] all the time. You got to switch it up. Make it better,” says Glass.
Glass offered some insight into the importance of dips for chest development, which also hit a handful of areas including the triceps. He advised lifters to lean forward to hit the chest more effectively.
“We’re hitting dips. A versatile bodyweight exercise to target the lower chest and triceps. Keep your form controlled, leaning slightly forward for chest emphasis. Aim for 8-12 reps to build strength and muscle thickness.”
To finish off the routine, Glass laid out advice when performing the Smith machine V-bar champagne press.
“We’re focusing on the inner chest for that thick defined look, perform three sets of 12 controlled reps.”
As you can see above, there is no mention of conventional flat presses even though it’s a popular movement among lifters. That’s because Charles Glass doesn’t recommend the lift and believes it can lead to long-lasting pec injuries.
Charles Glass is one of the most accomplished trainers of this generation and his methodologies are used by the best in the IFBB Pro League. Try out his workout for strength and muscle thickness the next time you hit chest day.
Watch the full video from the Charles Glass GOB YouTube channel below:
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