‘Godfather of Bodybuilding’ Charles Glass Explains Why Decline Press Is ‘The Only Exercise You Need for Chest’

‘The Godfather of Bodybuilding’ Charles Glass believes the chest can be worked from all angles using just one exercise. In a recent Instagram post shared on August 21, 2024, Glass explains that decline pressing is the only movement needed in a chest routine. 

“Decline Press: The Ultimate Chest Workout You Need!!” shares Glass. 

In the bodybuilding community, Glass is highly revered for his attention to detail during training. Boasting an engineering background, his approach to lifting weights is not just methodical but backed up by years of experience training high-profile athletes. Glass has had a hand in shaping names such as  Shawn Rhoden, Chris Cormier, Flex Wheeler, Brandon Curry, Dennis James, and Kai Greene.

But he also helps celebrities reach their fitness goals. Glass has even guided Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Hollywood’ Hulk Hogan, and Wesley Snipes to better bodies, tailored around specialized training practices that he’s developed following decades of gym experience. And what do all these athletes and celebs have in common aside from training with Glass? They all have massive and well-defined chests. Perhaps that’s because they implemented Glass’ number one workout for growing the area. 

While the decline press is often used to target the lower pectoral muscles, Glass maintains that it can effectively work the mid and upper chest. Below, he details the benefits of the movement, revealing why this is the only exercise needed for building a powerful chest. 

Charles Glass Breaks Down Why Decline Press Is ‘The Only Exercise You Need for Chest’: “It Works” 

According to Charles Glass, if he had to pick only one exercise for the chest, it’d be decline presses. He explains that this exercise works the ‘whole pec every single time.’ 

“If we did one exercise for chest, it would be decline because it works from the lower all the way to the top. You don’t get that real lip unless you do incline but decline will actually work that whole pec every single time.

That’s the only exercise you need for chest is a decline. It works. It will take from here all the way up to here,” shares Charles Glass. 

Charles Glass isn’t the only proponent of decline pressing for a bigger chest. Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest has defended the movement, underlining that it’s one of his go-to exercises for building the pecs. He says he feels decline more than flat bench, making the movement ideal for maximizing chest development. 

Whether he is revealing his number one protein source or offering up his favorite exercise to build muscle, Charles Glass continues to provide his audience with actionable tips and wisdom to further their respective fitness journeys. The next time you head to the gym for chest day, give decline presses a try. 

RELATED: ‘Godfather of Bodybuilding’ Charles Glass Explains How To Properly Use The Leg Press Machine

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