...

Lateral chest press

Activate your chest muscles and triceps specifically with a lateral press.

Loading video...

Preparation

You fix the sled horizontally at chest height.

Starting Position

You go into a hip-width stance, support one forearm stably on the sled, and grip the horn on the side of your chest with the other hand. Your upper body is slightly leaning forward, you build up targeted body tension.

Execution

Now you press the horn forward in a controlled manner, the elbow gliding horizontally. Then slowly and consciously bring the movement back to the starting position.

Muscles Used

Chest
Triceps

Tip

Finish the movement before the stop and then start a new repetition. Make sure to keep the muscle tension constant during the exercise.

Please note

Please make sure to observe the respective limitation of the force level in the horizontal sled position - depending on the piston - as stated in the user manual.

What makes this exercise particularly effective?

The lateral chest press, also known as the single-arm chest press, is an effective one-arm pressing movement in which you support your forearm on the sled and actively push the handle forward with the free hand. This position generates targeted activation of the pectoral muscles (pectoralis major) while simultaneously engaging the triceps. The lateral stance also promotes stability and body tension, as you must control your body against unilateral forces.

What effect does the exercise achieve?

  • Targeted chest activation: The one-sided pressing movement allows a focused training effect on the chest muscle—ideal for conscious muscle awareness.

  • Triceps strengthening: Secondary activation of the triceps supports the pressing motion and contributes to overall arm integration.

  • Core stability: The unilateral load requires active tension in the core to resist lateral rotation, improving overall core strength.

  • Controlled execution: The EISENHORN strength station S ensures a safe and guided movement, providing optimal conditions for proper technique and progressive overload.

How does this exercise fit into the Big 5 concept?

The Big 5 include the fundamental exercises: squat, deadlift, bench press, pull-up or lat pulldown, and shoulder press. The lateral chest press can be classified as follows:

  • Horizontal pressing variation: Adds an extra dimension to traditional bench pressing, especially with one-arm pressing patterns that train movement coordination.

  • Symmetry & balance: Trains muscular and strength-related balance between the left and right sides of the body, an important prerequisite for functional stability.

  • Core transfer: The required core tension strengthens overall stability—a beneficial side effect for all Big 5 movements, particularly squats and deadlifts, where core control is essential.