Which muscles are synergists for the chest press, as listed in the examples?

• A. Posterior deltoid and Biceps
• B. Anterior deltoid and Triceps
• C. Hamstring complex
• D. Latissimus dorsi

Answer: (B)

In a chest press, the main movers are the pectoralis major, and synergists are muscles that assist this push by working at the same joints and directions. The anterior deltoid helps with shoulder flexion and horizontal adduction as you press forward, complementing the chest muscles. The triceps extend the elbow, which is essential to straighten the arm during the pushing phase. Together, these two muscles assist the chest in generating the pushing action.

The other options don’t fit as synergists for this movement. The posterior deltoid mainly handles shoulder extension and horizontal abduction, which doesn’t support the forward push. The biceps primarily flex the elbow, which would oppose the movement. The hamstring complex isn’t involved in upper-body pushing. The latissimus dorsi, while active in many pulling actions and providing stabilization, isn’t listed as a typical synergist for this chest-press example.