21 Reasons Why Your Chest Isn't Growing (FIX IT NOW)

[@mountaindog1]

For more amazing videos on why you won't grow check out my playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLNAUreWTt_ShncAtG7PHnk3ZxlRMzeJg6

[@iquevirtual]

Thank you from Brazil!

[@user-vg6ow8in5s]

💪💪💪💪

[@STRETCHFishing]

Great tips!

[@mountaindog1]

welcome

[@obi-wankenobi9871]

5:55 does having a really flat upper body count as a preexisting injury?

[@Dboy.c]

You teach like a father and it’s so appreciated. It’s a shame I’ve only learned about you after your passing. Rest In Peace, John.

[@bryannaylor6341]

Has it been 3 years now? RIP John

[@connorchristy1077]

Just found this guy this morning and have been binge watching all day. IMHO he is the true "professor" of lifting. Crazy amount of insight, never judgemental. Definitely made the lifting world a better place for the younger generations. He is truly missed and will be remembered for generations.

[@scotticidal]

i just found him same time you did, and just learned he passed last night. crazy and it sucks, I really like this guy.

[@cheetahpsg4988]

@@scotticidal Been following Mr. Meadows about 3 months now. He had an amazing amount of insight, and explained things in such a practical way. Really has improved my lifting form and results. Was such a likeable guy too. RIP John.

[@Clubskunk]

@@scotticidal literally the same boat as u guys , really is sad watching knowing he ain’t here.

[@benjivanloo8050]

@@scotticidal he died 8th of august 2021, what do you mean ?

[@scotticidal]

@@benjivanloo8050 I wasn't aware of him until 6 months ago.

[@keith3819]

I find that doing curls in the squat rack is great for the chest.

[@mountaindog1]

me too!

[@naj5338]

Keith only if you put in a good half hour at least. Be sure to look at your phone between sets to get a full recovery.

[@naj5338]

Keith only if you put in a good half hour at least. Be sure to look at your phone between sets to get a full recovery.

[@keith3819]

@@naj5338 Bro, not only do I look at my phone, but I take selfies after every set. I also lift my shirt to check out my own abs in the mirror.

[@stephanreichelt1960]

make sure to swing back and forth like a tree in a storm

[@21macca21]

Just watched this early hours ... then to find out he’s passed 😢 RIP John

[@ib5660]

Oh no how ? 😔

[@Fujibayashi50]

@@ib5660 Blockage in the arteries that moved to the lungs

[@wilbertb1929]

Dammit

[@ntr7030]

I just found John myself, maybe a month ago, and just heard of his passing. Very sad. He’s such a great teacher. He really cared and it shines through. I have learned a lot. Seems like a great guy too. My respects to his family and friends he left behind. Rest in peace John.

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

Just started watching this guy

[@henriqueoiveira1633]

Keep this going for other muslces

[@Maaaannnnuel]

Yea i have been going to the gym for a couple of months and I feel the best pumps after these videos

[@kareem06777]

RIP John, your advice is still helpings lots of ppl today 🙏🏾

[@Sharkenite]

"When the burning starts, the set starts." Love it!

[@chibixleon]

This man was so incredibly generous and open with knowledge I'm just in awe. Thanks so much and hope you're in a better place.

[@user-pk4ns5hz7z]

Sadly he passed away..such a legend

[@noahh4403]

John, I know you’re never going to see this but your clarity, positivity, and the amount of respect everyone has for you is the reason I am going to pursue pro bodybuilding and will go to study kinesiology. I want to work both my mind and body to beyond failure so I can one day become everyone’s go to resource like you. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me both inside and outside the gym. Thank you again, Noah H******

[@2ichie]

What a weird last name. These gen z’ers 🙄😆

[@johncarlson2258]

I've been lifting weights for 44 years and have had multiple shoulder surgeries. you give great advice regarding shoulder health! I just wish your videos were out there 40 years ago.

[@sebek0311]

Wow, I finally managed to find someone who can explain how to do exercises properly without inducing too much jargon! You are the best!!!

[@JosephEGlaser]

I love how John has no problem showing exercises with low weights or an empty bar

[@badrrharri]

He is dead now

[@JosephEGlaser]

@@badrrharri yes unfortunately...i think this was shortly before his passing

[@Tonkz0r1337]

21:20, thank you man, this is it for me, I guarantee it! Been training for over 15 years with shitty pec development. Was always told to pack those blades together with all you got, keeping the shoulders depressed and damn I realize I missed out on a lot! I just got back from the gym, tried this and MAN, pump, connection, everything was on point, for the first time in my life! I can't thank you enough man!

[@mountaindog1]

you bet!

[@emerson3498]

Same I would always lock my shoulder blades before every set, now I see what gains I’ve been missing

[@sajpaj67]

Same here. Gonna try this tomorrow

[@cs3518]

can someone explain staying tight vs. shoulder packing, I'm a bit confused here

[@michaelscott9290]

Same bro! Instead of listening to my body I injured myself doing it that way. Figured because it's what all the experts suggest that it was the most efficient. Cant wait to get back to the gym and apply what ik.

[@MeanBeanComedy]

Note for any Content Creators: Pay attention to how John addresses "You" when he's talking. It's the Singular "You," not Plural "You." He's talking to the guy watching the video, not the 600k people watching it. It's more personal and connects him to each viewer. Seems natural, and very effective at communicating intimately and efficiently. Something we learned in Radio Class at school. Just an observation. Great work from a great guy!

[@xXAkitokunXx]

I watch a lot of youtubers about fitness but not many teach you about avoiding injuries, learn from the wise. John has my respect no matter what he posts. But love these videos.

[@Blind_Side94]

True that👍

[@lostandfoundphil2038]

Hell ya

[@luketory4684]

So true half the fitness personalities come as a asshole who refuse to tell you and expect you to know the answer

[@22rockcrawler]

As someone who has dislocated their shoulder a handful of times i really appreciate this wealth of information you have given us.

[@flakyolly]

I love your videos John. No fancy cuts or editing, just plain-spoken knowledge. Not to say I don't like a slick video, but I love your conversational approach to teaching. I always learn. Thank you for doing this.

[@Michael_00001]

All these new "trainers" today have over-complicated every basic movement to death. It's ridiculous. I once had a trainer who had me so packed on a chest exercise that I didn't even get a proper range of motion. Never mind all the other horseshit they are having people do nowadays all in the name of "core" this and "core" that. Nonsense. You have the right (i.e. simple) ideas here.

[@lukev.w]

Someone had such a dirty pump from these great tipps that he missed the Like icon by an inch

[@garygregg8449]

For years I thought I was mis-shapen and I had no chest muscle on my right side. Since I have discovered your video, and your emphasis on form, I have figured out my problem. My right shoulder slumps forward causing my chest to cave in. In the last month I have used your videos to help me correct as much as I can without surgery or extensive doctors visits. Thank you

[@quietside3734]

As a beginner, proper form and reducing the weight helped me a lot regarding the bench press. As soon as I got my shoulders back and chest up, I started to feel it properly, and have been able to add weight to the bar every week. Great work John!

[@stevop9nova]

The advice about not packing shoulders down while benching is going to change everything. I could actually see the difference in contraction when you did it. Can't wait to try it. Thanks!

[@dic4]

These videos help so much. Either learning “the right way” or being confident that I’m doing it the proper/most efficient way. Thanks John. Stay strong and healthy.

[@iam_takis]

I have paid for training seminars, training, even as an amateur for over 8 years with good and bad days, injuries where i couldn't find the answer, bought and read books thousands of times so i could understand why i have pain there etc and man honestly, this 28 minutes video has taught me so much more... Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@mountaindog1]

Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@ShooterIsHere]

One of the best bodybuilding videos I've seen, great to have a refresher and have mental cues while doing these exercises, thanks!

[@Murphyshsunekei5555]

The best at Explaining... feels like you really care about how people called out their work out you are the man for sure much appreciated

[@frankfrankerson8127]

I need 21 things for shoulders jm good buddy

[@marvmorales1584]

Same

[@lilyoyo207]

I greed

[@7eventhSense]

Yes please

[@crit8158]

or calves lmao

[@rasmustikka1505]

Same please! My biggest weak point

[@terrencestone3938]

Just did chest and used the tip to not lock out completely and for the first time in a while I didn’t hurt my shoulder and have a great pump. You’re still a legend 😢

[@wilsonlee63]

Exactly John, all those fitness KZbinrs who are proponents on going full range of motions, locking out & risking damaging to their joints are usually younger guys with only a little over 10 years in training experience who hasn't put enough years behind them to see the consequences of a debilitating injuries yet...

[@divyanshusingh6473]

First of all thank you for this encyclopedic knowledge. Dropping gems of wisdom for free. Your techniques have improved my workouts a lot. Summary: 1. Don't cave in while pressing, keep your head down. Don't use momentum. Don't bounce press. Don't flare your elbows. 2. Drop elbows down somewhere in between flaring out and tricep press. 3. Get good range of option, touch your chest slightly, don't lock out. 4. Decline press: DO NOT FLARE. Bar touches just below chest. Very little decline. 5. Incline db presses: Same tips as above. 6. Dips: Flare your elbows a bit, just a bit. Keep feet out in front. 7. Fly machine: slight bend in elbows at all time. And pull your arms across. Hands at shoulder height. NO HUNCHING. 8. Don't external or internal rotate your shoulder on Smith press. Around 17 min. 9. Incline barbell press: DON'T TOUCH YOUR CHEST. 10. Don't pack down your shoulder too much. Don't think about it too much. Good for shoulder health and better pec compression. Just stay tight, little bit of arch. 11. Workout 1-2 set per exercise to failure. Don't on barbells if no assist. 12. Exercise sequencing: Don't barbell press the first thing. Start with db or machines. Then come to barbell. 13. Have a good mix of db, bb and machines.

[@gregtaylor1939]

My right shoulder is in major pain from improper form. 5 months and still gives me problems. This advice is gold!

[@josetalavera1275]

Both biceps and chest videos are excellent. These are the kind of things that we need. Your description of how you feel in your chest or bicep or whatever helps us learn what we should be focused on when we do the exercises. You could do 21 or up to 51 things for every body part. I see you have 21 tips for the back. Guess which video I am going to be watching next.

[@freedomring4813]

You're one of the few on a channel that responds back to your viewers comments and I for one appreciate it. Started my olive oil ...2 spoons a day ....habit(new ...good habits) ,which I will try to keep. And my only downfall...ice cream ...is off my grocery list. At 5'10 215lbs and 60 I'll be happy to get down to 200 or 195... as far as chest ...its still sore from Saturday's workout.

[@mountaindog1]

thank you - yes sir I read everything :)

[@MrDnbForLife]

My biggest issue was going to lockout on bench and burning my triceps out way too soon. Amazing advice going 3/4 of the way to keep it chest heavy, you are a legend John, hope you are well!

[@eflores915ef]

Love how you patiently have time to explain it in every detail as possible to help others. I've been learning from you and I'm doing great! Thank you so much!

[@mountaindog1]

welcome!!!

[@MrTacoMan123]

I always go back to these videos to remind myself of these tips. Thanks for all the knowledge John, RIP.

[@Linky609]

I was taught that shoulder packing technique back in the day, and I can definitely say that's where a lot of my shoulder injuries began looking back. I think the excessive packing and arch exaggeration is just all about reducing distance travelled to up max numbers. If you're in a power lifting meet sure go for it but for us everyday folk it's not necessary. Also exercise sequencing is a major deal for most of us that have been out of the game for a while, I've benched first for years and that makes so much sense to do some accessories first to get the blood pumping.

[@alastair8257]

I've watched many videos from trainers giving their thoughts to body development - none like this guy. So impressive and with the communications too. Damn he is good, lucky clients!! THANK YOU so much John. You have my eyes and ears (and likes!!) on your videos :)

[@mountaindog1]

welcome!

[@devonsstemcells1442]

Great information. It seems like I learn something new every video. I appreciate all the great info. At 52 yrs old I'm still learning. Thanks!!

[@djlarroc]

What an invaluable person the fitness world lost! RIP Mountain Dog.

[@CR-fd2wj]

He gone but I always through he still here with us :(((

[@arclyte1859]

I can’t stress how important this advice is. Especially concerning shoulder / joint health and injury prevention. Six years ago I suffered a pectoral rupture at the upper insertion point. Three months in a sling, six months of physical therapy and titanium pins are no fun. I don’t bench anymore for safety concerns. Now if I do a pressing movement that’s not on a machine, I do it with dumbbells on the floor. This prevents me from hyper-extending and placing undue stress on my shoulder joints and my pectoral tendons.

[@linos1987]

Arclyte185 great comment, I totally agree, it’s scary how much your experience with your chest matches with mine. So if anyone has the same issues, listen to this advice. Greetings from a pec-torn-alis guy!

[@arclyte1859]

Linos Tombulidis I was always taught to get a “good stretch” in my pecs by letting my shoulders hyper-extend to “feel it” in my pecs. After my injury, my orthopedic surgeon told me that the only thing that does is to transfer immense strain from the pecs, to the shoulder joints and tendons which is baasaaad!

[@whoopshoopadoop8900]

Perfect timing on this video. My shoulders have been taking a beating from bench and chin ups. I'm guilty of overpacking shoulders and letting my chest collapse into that spoon thing. Thanks a lot!

[@acoleman251]

1:51 He’s not lying about the pressure you put on your Ac joints I’ve been lifting like that the last few days, and my shoulder hurt when I wake up every morning. Thx for the Knowledge!

[@berglendurch]

Look into passive hanging exercises it might help out

[@rudraksh5856]

R I P Legend. You will be missed 🙏

[@bradlawrence8723]

I love it when you say " hi everybody "! Brings a smile while I exercise !!

[@AhmedAdams-w2n]

Top man.All the best to the family

[@chrysfil9810]

Ooow man, if I had all this info 20+ years ago, maybe I could avoid all this injuries I have now. Thank you for your great videos.

[@aq6338]

Living legend man, we are lucky to have someone like you to teach us how to do this💪🏽

[@goku2jz460]

That decline tip is a life saver!

[@mikeggg1979]

John this page is the best page on here. You are humble i feel like I know you by watching your videos brother. Keep them coming my man

[@Santos-ek8md]

Spot on advice John. You touched upon so many ways ppl don't realize they can injure themselves. Great video 💯💯💯

[@davidcartagena9641]

This Man was amazing! What a legacy he has left behind. He is still influencing many of us with his knowledge. I'm forever grateful. The way he explains everything with simplicity is amazing. No gimmick, just straightforward gym knowledge..

[@DeepBassRecordz]

👍🏾👍🏾

[@natureandguitars8983]

My favorite thing about your videos is they feel more personal. It’s as if I’m in the gym standing right next to you taking your advice.

[@MeanBeanComedy]

Thank God we young folk have older folk to tell us how to avoid the mistakes they learned the hard way! 😆 I'll take a lesson like this over a lesson like he was talking about any day! 😁👍🏻

[@jcismybud]

Wish I had this education long time ago . I use to think flared elbows is the only way to bench . Now in my my early 40’s I can’t even do the flat bench . Shoulders are all messed up .Listen to this man ! Oh yeah I totally agree , go to failure or don’t even bother going to the gym lol

[@Tuvano]

Your videos legit make a difference for a lot of people man. Thank you for taking the time to teach us correctly.

[@Zeusbeer]

If you are used to slight bouncing or touch and go, try pauzed bench with a challenging weight and a solid 1 to 2 second pause. My chest gets sore when I think about it!

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

Not just a pause but a pause with a 1-2 in gap above the chest. It makes you really control the weight at the bottom.

[@optin1499]

PattyMayonnaise goes against the recommendation to touch the chest part

[@connor4235]

Think he means don’t rest it on the chest. It’s easy to just let the bar sit on your chest when doing a pause. Make sure you’re still in control instead of just having the pause for a rest.

[@Wejohnsn]

I love doing rest pauses and partials at the top and bottom kinda like 21s for arms. Even with light weight I get a good pump. Started doing these when a old torn bicep at the chest started nagging me again. You can do this with pec deck, machines and free weights get a great pump. The tips about elbows in the video helped alot too with the shoulder pain where the bicep inserts

[@calebshoemaker]

This man is so humble and chock full of knowledge!

[@lucabalestra1638]

Hey John think you might do a video for quads too? Would be much appreciated!!

[@GalloGitano]

I am a year and a half new to serious weightlifting. Spent hours digging through absolute crap to find only a couple real deal guys to learn from, This man, John Meadows is the real deal. Grateful

[@mastergta23]

7:11 I can relate to this, my left shoulder is kind of fucked up so when I train chest, my left chest doesn't get as much pump as the other

[@ConspiracyRangr]

These videos are the best ones out there! I am 53 and have had both rotators repaired, so I truly appreciate all of the info about keep shoulders safe etc - you rocked Mr Meadows! 💪🏼

[@oymae]

This is the REALEST video of "How to build a big chest" on youtube..without a doubt! I needed this, thanks!

[@octhane8686]

helt enig øyvind👍🏻

[@markharris8671]

addicted to this channel....i have learned more in just a few videos than i ever have in my life...great instruction and demonstration....no ego, no attitude....just great teaching.

[@mountaindog1]

Wow, thanks

[@tedwats8792]

Great tips for chest! I actually used a trainer who had me doing flared bench press and now i have issues with my left shoulder. He was very educated on things he had actually graduated with a degree in biomechanics but lacked the knowledge he needed for bodybuilding. I also got a great deal out of your back video and made sure to follow your instructions on back training. I always take away something from your videos! Thank you for all the great content!

[@mountaindog1]

welcome!

[@romanseminogov9604]

this the reason i trust youtube more than a trainer in terms of exersises and good form

[@jackmcdaniel7654]

Not a word out of place ....easy listening ...good job

[@christopheryother7445]

Tried your decline bench trick today and loved it. In addition to a 55lb bumper at the base, the backrest reclined a few more degrees too so it definitely hit lower chest without putting excess strain on my shoulders. Much better than the bench I’ve been using which had a belligerently steep angle. Thanks for the tip!

[@mountaindog1]

you bet!

[@mooreofwhatyouneed]

I normally don't watch guys that are not natural. But u sir have knowledge and u are honest about it.. great video

[@MDCigan]

Great info... this series is very useful, I used the "retract elbows" on my last back workout and noticed the difference. Consider doing this for each bodypart, I'd like to see the errors on shoulders, arms, legs, etc

[@syence_nird]

I can listen to John speak all day. What a wealth of information. I just learned not to shoulder pack when benching....immediate fix!!

[@Dan-hb7om]

As always Great content John! 61 years young and everything you share helps keep me injury free. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work!

[@waynestanfield492]

This totally changed the way I feel about chest exercises! Believed the myth that machines were basically just for toning rather than growth. Thanks so much for such a thorough run through!

[@AhmedHassan-sd7yq]

You did those movements with the perfect technique that everybody should uses

[@russellmcgurn4217]

Thanks, I'm gonna uses this from now on!

[@aussiesimmo]

I have recently started training after a few years off. I stopped going to the gym because I was getting niggling injuries in my joints. I thought I knew a fair bit because I had put on some decent mass prior to having a break. Your videos have shown me that I didn't know jack shit and my poor sloppy form is probably why my joints were cranky at me. Everything feels good now and I am enjoying hoisting weight again. Keep up the good work Sir.

[@benpowers5942]

You’re the man John. Definitely going to apply the things I’ve learned from this video

[@Gunny_101st]

My god I am going to miss this man. His advice about form and injury prevention is priceless. Especially for us older guys. "Gold Jerry. Solid gold."

[@the_notorious_bas]

15 guys with a spoon chest disliked this video, while the others took notes.

[@mountaindog1]

:)

[@trishafle]

Best comment ever💪. Not only do you have the best videos ever John you have the best followers🥰💪

[@marcspalding145]

Facts

[@philc8pip1]

181 of those spoony pricks now!

[@pr8292]

😂😂❤️

[@TomSlickery]

I love that you have instructional videos for lifting... Also Instructions/ useless talking ratio is good too!👍 Thank you.

[@jorgerejame8030]

people train their shoulders instead their chest. That's an important tip, man.

[@budthecyborg4575]

17:38 Nice to finally know exactly why it's impossible to use a Smith Machine as a full bench replacement (I would call it "Useless" but it's only just "Mostly Useless").

[@Wejohnsn]

i used the info on here for my last chest work out and i really felt a pump and burn in my upper chest. good stuff....like with the back.....elbows

[@luisnavia3045]

Your tips are helping me a lot. So much injuries avoided. Thanks from Spain,,,, currently deploided in Irak, sharing time with US guys

[@Tor109]

“The smith machine doesn’t suck your form sucks” 😂😂😂😂

[@ydaher313]

This series is golden, I watch it right before every workout and it helps me take mental notes and activate the muscle groups so much more

[@donatelloslappafello1108]

Thanks for this! As a newer (older) guy at the gym, I'm learning alot from ya. Much appreciated sir!

[@calebshoemaker]

Newer older guys unite

[@sunz1337]

He was such a visionary for that time. Already told people to do 1-2 Topsets instead of 4 sets to failure even tho most ppl don‘t really know what true failure is. So ahead of time

[@wkyles726]

19 secs in and I'm here! Always amazing stuff John, thanks for you hard work making this vids.

[@africano39]

John, You're amazing Brother!...tons and tons of years of knowledge and experience...I'm in my 50's..and wish I had someone such as your self when I was younger...could've avoided...shoulder issues... Still working out though..no surgery ..just following rotator cuff internal/external exercises..and incorporating all these wisdom your sharing with us...Thank you Sir...hope to train till I'm 90. God Bless ..

[@karolzpoznania]

19:58 Video on the scapula rotation / "shoulders packed down" would be priceless ! I haven't really seen anyone else talking about that

[@frodothehobo9938]

Its a powerlifting que but it totally works and its really easy. Try to put your rear delts into your back pocket. Like you rotate them back like a shrug and then pull them down

[@karolzpoznania]

@@frodothehobo9938 yeah I know and that's how I've been pressing for a long time, but listen to John at 19:58

[@stevereynolds8812]

One of the better lifting channels on youtube. Keep up with the helpful videos brutha!

[@goldrobinzon]

Awesome videos. Just stumbled upon them, really like the laid back style of the presentation, but still to the point. Makes it feel like you are my personal trainer and I'm in the gym with you. Very helpful tips! Thank you John!

[@kakuzu12345]

Just found this channel, and love it. I went to the gym all through high school but had an embarrassingly weak chest, so much so that my ORM for my curl was heavier; and my military press was leagues above. Coming back to the gym after a long hiatus, but now with an engineering degree and a bunch of extra weight on me; I'm learning why my chest was probably never growing like it should have! Gonna binge a bunch of videos, I love being a student to muscle.

[@MecchaKakkoi]

Very practical tips, thanks!

[@hectorgarza5205]

Great videos

[@NegotiableHemingway]

When you mentioned the flaring our the elbows as a no no, I agree 100% but I have to admit when I do smith machine guillotine presses, I do flare my elbows out as it really targets the area I’m aiming to hit.

[@mountaindog1]

as long as you dont touch chest and overstretch on those

[@NegotiableHemingway]

mountaindog1 thanks for the advice John. My shoulders won’t let me overstretch even if I wanted to so that’s out the question thankfully 👍🏻

[@Blind_Side94]

@@NegotiableHemingway still be careful dude the shoulder is a complex piece of equipment and it is easy to break 😔

[@socrates_the_great6209]

This guy is one of the best in the industry at coaching...damn. This gold I needed 10 years ago.

[@murderousmayhem6362]

Enjoyed this bro. Boulders and chesticles for me tonight after I come back from the shop.

[@yeahbuddylightweightbaby3836]

International chest day

[@ben_voyage]

So glad these videos exist. The most practical tips and explanations I've seen from anyone.

[@DevilsRejection]

"No, the smith machine doesn't suck, your form sucks." :P

[@jdgeibe]

The smith machine is great for training chest if you want to get shoulder impingement 🤷🏼‍♂️stay away from it! Free weights and Hammer Strength all day!

[@momsaid]

The Smith machine sucks in comparison to the same lift off of the smith machine. That’s what most people mean

[@myhandlehasbeenmishandled]

leg press with smith machine while you are at it

[@bouvardpecuchet6368]

You actually can focus more on chest contraction on smith machine than with regular bench press. But you dont press with smith the same you press with bench press. With smith, always do slow, nice controled reps, bodybuilding style. Its not mean for max or strength reps

[@JRake32]

The SM limits motion and forces impingement. Nobody's skeletal system is identical on both sides, that was the case the Smith machine would be great but it is not. That's sad younger people can get away what does Smith machine much more older people. Free weights.