Machine Iso-Lateral Chest Press

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A unilateral chest pressing exercise on an iso-lateral machine that allows each side of the chest to work independently for balanced strength development.

Instructions

  1. Sit in the iso-lateral chest press machine with your back against the pad, feet firmly on the floor.
  2. Grasp each handle independently with your hands at chest level, elbows bent at approximately 90 degrees.
  3. Push one arm forward while the other arm can remain stationary or return slightly, allowing for independent movement.
  4. Extend your arm fully while maintaining a slight bend in the elbow.
  5. Pause briefly at the end of the pressing motion, then slowly return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat on both sides for the prescribed number of repetitions per side.
  7. Perform all repetitions on one side before switching, or alternate sides as desired.

Tips

  • The independent arm movement helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides.
  • Keep your back flat against the pad throughout the entire movement.
  • Focus on smooth, controlled motion rather than driving the weight explosively.
  • Maintain equal pressure through both sides even though one arm works at a time.
  • Avoid rotating your torso; keep your body stable and centered.
  • Adjust the weight to ensure you can perform the exercise with proper form on both sides.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 17 kg 9 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 15 kg 8 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 11 kg 6 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

beginner strength
Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about bench press - medium grip (barbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Bench Press with Neutral Grip (Dumbbell)

Bench Press with Neutral Grip (Dumbbell)

Learn more about bench press with neutral grip (dumbbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Chest Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
beginner strength

Chest Press Inside Grip (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press inside grip (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Chest Press Single Arm (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press single arm (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Chest Press Single Leg (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about chest press single leg (trx / suspension trainer)
expert strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Extended Range One-Arm Kettlebell Floor Press

Extended Range One-Arm Kettlebell Floor Press

Learn more about extended range one-arm kettlebell floor press
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength

Hinge to Chest Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about hinge to chest press (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about incline bench press - medium grip (barbell)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Incline Bench Press (Smith Machine)

Learn more about incline bench press (smith machine)
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength

Low Chest Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about low chest press (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Push-Ups With Feet On An Exercise Ball

Push-Ups With Feet On An Exercise Ball

Learn more about push-ups with feet on an exercise ball
intermediate strength
Pushups (Close and Wide Hand Positions)

Pushups (Close and Wide Hand Positions)

Learn more about pushups (close and wide hand positions)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Stability Ball Dumbbell Chest Press

Learn more about stability ball dumbbell chest press
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Standing Decline Chest Press (Cable)

Learn more about standing decline chest press (cable)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Bench Press

Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Bench Press

Learn more about wide-grip decline barbell bench press
intermediate strength