Question: “You look terrific, good proportions, what exercises do you do for your shoulders and chest?“

First off, I appreciate the compliment!

I keep my workout routine pretty simple—nothing too extreme, just consistent effort to maintain a balanced physique. Most days, I work out for an hour, focusing on form and intensity rather than chasing crazy long sessions. When it comes to chest and shoulders, my go-to exercises are push-ups, dumbbell bench presses, and incline presses for the chest, along with dumbbell shoulder presses and lateral raises to hit the delts. I like to keep things controlled, making sure I’m getting a good contraction rather than just moving weight around. 

For definition and maintenance, I stick to moderate weights with higher reps, keeping my movements steady and intentional. But when I decide to bulk up, I adjust—heavier weights, more volume, and a little extra time in the gym. Nutrition plays a big role in that phase, too. If I’m trying to gain, I make sure I’m eating enough, with plenty of protein to support muscle growth. On the flip side, when I’m just maintaining, I stay mindful of keeping a balanced diet without overcomplicating it. 

At the end of the day, consistency is what makes the difference. There’s no magic exercise, just putting in the work and staying patient. I also make sure to get enough rest because recovery is just as important as the workout itself. If you’re training, whether for size or definition, my advice is to focus on good form, push yourself within reason, and make sure you’re actually enjoying the process. That’s what keeps you coming back. Stay strong! 

— Zachary Starr