Exercise Tips For Developing The Pectoralis Minor

The pectoral muscle is located between the chest and shoulder.body-builder's body image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com

The pectoralis minor is a thin, triangular muscle in the upper part of the chest located beneath the pectoralis major. The two make up the muscle group often referred to as the pectorals. According to Robert Kennedy, author of "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding," developing the pectoralis minor is imperative to building a balanced upper body. If you would like to build a larger upper body, certain exercises will make developing this muscle easier and more effective.

Exercise Shoulders and Pectorals

Exercise the entire pectoral and shoulder region in order to target the pectoralis minor. Targeting only the pectoralis minor is not possible. However, if you perform exercises that target the shoulder and general pectoral region, you will develop the pectoralis minor. According to the American Council on Exercise, the pectoralis minor will strengthen and develop if you exercise the shoulders and pectorals. Do not exercise just the shoulders or just the pectorals. Make sure that you target both muscle groups so the pectoralis minor does not develop unevenly.

Perform a variety of exercises targeting both the pectoral and shoulders. If you perform only one or two different exercises, the pectoralis minor will not develop fully, states the American Council on Exercise. Compose your upper body exercise routine with several different exercises. For example, perform lateral arm raises, chest presses, push-ups, shoulder circles and butterfly presses. A set of four exercises should be the minimum number used to develop the pectoralis minor.

Consume 10 to 20 grams of protein 30 minutes before each workout session. Consuming this amount of protein before exercising the pectoralis minor will ensure that you receive maximum muscle gain from the session. According to the American Council on Exercise, protein consumption will help develop smaller muscles, such as the pectoralis minor. Aside from protein shakes and protein bars, good sources of protein include lean meats, nuts, eggs and yogurt.