The 10 exercises gym-going men love the most

Chest pulldown or high pulley pulldown (lat pulldown) - 3.6%

Most popular

What motivates men to hit the gym? Is it building muscle, improving fitness, or boosting confidence? While every individual has their personal goals, one thing is certain: men often share a preference for certain exercises.

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Ringing true

Fitness app 'Strengthlog' has compiled a list of the 10 most popular exercises among male gym goers after polling their users, and all things considered, the list does seem to ring true for us.

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Bench press - 10.7%

Every man who goes to the gym wants to show off sculpted pectorals, and this exercise works both the major and minor muscles, as well as the triceps brachii and anterior deltoid. A gym classic that men love.

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Squats - 6.7%

Squats are a spectacular exercise for shaping the quadriceps and gluteus maximus and, secondarily, the hamstrings, spinal erectors, adductors and core. A very complete exercise with a high price to pay: intense muscle soreness. It's worth it, though.

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Deadlift - 4.8%

Deadlifts primarily targets the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and spinal erectors, but it also engages several other muscle groups. Notably, the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, core, quadriceps, and forearms are all activated, making it a comprehensive full-body workout. It’s especially effective for building lower body strength and improving posture, while also contributing to upper body muscle development.

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Chest pulldown or high pulley pulldown (lat pulldown) - 3.6%

Another gym classic is the chest pulldown, a perfect exercise for the latissimus dorsi but also for the biceps brachii, lower trapezius, posterior deltoids and rhomboids, per Healthline.

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Military press or overhead press - 3.5%

A tough but spectacular exercise to strengthen the deltoids, triceps brachii, upper trapezius and core.

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Barbell row - 3.2%

The barbell row works the latissimus dorsi, trapezius and rhomboids as primary muscles. Secondarily, it also works the posterior deltoid, biceps brachii and spinal erectors.

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Dumbbell lateral raise - 2.8%

A great shoulder workout, specifically for the medial deltoid, upper trapezius and anterior deltoid. This is one you really don't need to go heavy on.

Leg extension - 2.4%

If you want Herculean quads, leg extensions in all their variations are ideal additions to your program.

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Barbell curl - 2.4%

A strong arm always looks great, and the barbell curl is a great ally for your biceps brachii, anterior biceps and brachioradialis.

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Leg press - 1.9%

Never skip leg day, or you’ll risk leaving key muscles like your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and adductors undertrained. Exercises like the leg press are essential for targeting these muscle groups, ensuring balanced strength and muscle development in the lower body.