• Genetics are responsible for the shape of the chest musculature.bodybuilding,muscle image by yam from Fotolia.com
  
  The chest is composed of two muscles: pectoralis major and pectoralis Minor. The pectoralis minor is part of the rotator cuff muscles and is located underneath the pectoralis major. Since the pectoralis major is a muscle, one can not isolate the lower part of the chest from the upper. However, due to genetics some develop a larger upper chest while the lower portion of the muscle remains unchanged. Certain exercises can shift more focus on the lower part of the chest to provide equal development. It should be noted that even the exercises that shift the focus to the lower part of the pectoralis major will still train the upper part as well.
  
  

Push-Ups

• When push-ups are done with feet on the ground the emphases is on the lower pectoralis major because of the slight decline angle. Push-ups can be made harder by putting plates on the back of the trainee, adding a back pack with weight, using bands or chains. Push-ups can be performed on the hand or on dumbbells to prevent wrist pressure. Joe Defranco, college and professional athlete trainer, regularly makes his athletes perform chain push-ups.
  
  

Decline Bench Press

• Decline bench press targets the lower area of the chest by decreasing the angle of the bench press. The exercise requires a decline bench to perform. The bench can be found at most commercial gyms. The technique for this exercise is similar to the bench press but due to the decline angle the bar will not travel in a slightly different line. Depending on the body of the trainee, the bar might need to be brought lower down on the body to achieve full range of motion.
  
  

Dips

• Dips target the lower pectoralis major by working a pressing movement at a very declined angle. The angle of the decline is greatest on the dip exercise when compared to other exercises. A slight lean forward during the exercise is required in order to active the chest. When done with an upright posture the triceps muscle will do most of the work. Difficulty can be increased by adding weight in form of a dip belt, a dumbbell held between the legs or a back pack with weight.