Jess Billitz

Sculpted pecs are arguably the most sought-after muscles in athletic men, with a chiseled chest ranking only second to washboard abs on the “attractive” scale (discovered in a 2009 study).

But when the line for the bench press wraps around the power rack — or the gym owner doesn’t receive the unofficial “Chest day is Monday” memo before locking up — it’s time to get creative!

Untangle (and dust off) that rubbery stretchy band in the basement, and don’t let that preworkout buzz fizzle out. Introducing the long-overlooked resistance band chest press:

The bench press evolved into the most iconic exercise of all time, changing the bodybuilding world forever when the “Russian Lion” performed a record-setting 362 lb floor press in 1899.

It’s the foundation for any Monday chest day. It’s the only stat that matters when you’re chatting in the power rack line. And, if you can bench double your body weight, you’ve reached “elite” status.

But dabbling in non-barbell chest exercises, especially a substantially lower-weight one like the classic fly, ignites a battle you never want to wage: ego vs. mass.

Introducing … the resistance band chest fly, a Monday evening plateau-buster (and pec sculptor).