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Pectoral Exercises build up the chest muscle group, the pectoralis major, which is the largest muscle group in the upper body. The chest requires a great many very specific exercises to work the upper, lower and inner pecs. A good looking chest really sets off the appearance of a physique.

One thing which every bodybuilder knows is that if you want to build new muscle, you have to do two things: get plenty of protein in your diet and use exercise start developing. As a bodybuilder, your diet needs to contain at least 25% protein and around 40% unrefined carbs from natural sources. The rest of your diet should consist of fiber-rich foods and healthy fats.

One of your workouts each week should focus on pectoral exercises. While you'll actually work other muscle groups at the same time, pectoral exercises are the goal here. You'll use body resistance exercises, dumbbells and barbells in these exercises.

The pectoral exercises should be performed in the order of descending strength of the muscle parts. In other words, begin with the exercise for which you use the heaviest poundage. Then work down the ladder from there.

For intermediate bodybuilders, these exercises should generally be done in three sets consisting of eight to ten reps. If you're more advanced in your bodybuilding, then you may want to do four or five sets of six to eight repetitions instead, using heavier weights.

Bench Press, with Barbell, Wide-grip

Lie on the bench, feet flat on the floor and your back kept flat against the bench. Grasp the bar with your hands double shoulder width apart and lower to your upper chest. Pause for a second and then return the bar to its overhead position.

Do one set as a warm up with a medium weight; the rest of the sets should be eight to ten reps with as much weight as you can handle.

Keep your back against the bench throughout and use smooth, slow movements - arching your back or lifting your buttocks off the bench can strain your neck and cause injury.

Front Barbell Raise, Incline Bench

Using an incline bench and a lighter weight barbell, begin with the barbell grasped palms down and your arms facing straight down. Raise the weight smoothly overhead, continuing until your arms are extended behind your head.

Dumbbell Flies, Flat Bench

Lie back on the bench, using medium bells on each side. Hold the bells straight up and then lower them, bending slightly at the elbow until your arms are parallel to the floor. Make sure not to hyperextend your shoulders during this one and lower the dumbbells slowly and smoothly.

Incline Press with Barbell, Wide-Grip

Start with your barbell overhead and lower to your upper chest, then repeat. For this exercise, use a weight which is heavy enough that your muscles are exhausted after 8 to 10 repetitions.

Decline Press with Barbell, Wide-Grip

Start with your arms at a 90 degree angle to the floor. Lower the barbell down to your neck slowly and repeat 8 to 10 times - remember to lower the barbell slowly as you do this one.

Flat Bench Dumbbell Press

Begin the move with the dumbbells straight overhead and then lower them to your chest keeping your elbows high and your upper arm nearly parallel with your shoulders. Use heavy dumbbells for eight to ten reps.

Flat Bench Dumbbell Pullover Press Lateral

Use medium heavy bells for this exercise. Rotate the dumbbells past your head and down towards the floor, then lift the weights back to your chest and over your head in a single smooth movement. Follow this movement with a lateral fly while bending your elbows at a 45 degree angle.

Push-Ups Hands Together

Push-ups are an exercise we're all familiar with. Just perform standard push-ups slowly, doing as many reps as you can.

And that completes your pectoral exercise workout. Bring on those ripped chest muscles!

For more advice on Pectoral Exercises and a free report revealing the 7 secrets to your ideal body visit http://www.wholelifegym.com