In late July 2025, 🇺🇸 IFBB Pro Martin Fitzwater traveled to Europe to refine his chest training. However, during his visit, he teamed up with Austrian coach Stefan Kienzl. Together, they focused on targeted execution and cleaner mechanics.
Now, Fitzwater has his eyes set on the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Furthermore, after finishing fourth in 2024, he plans to climb higher this October in Las Vegas. Moreover, to do that, he knows small adjustments can lead to big improvements.
Therefore, each workout in Europe emphasized control. He aimed to contract chest fibers more effectively. Meanwhile, he eliminated movements that shifted tension to other muscle groups.
View this post on Instagram
Martin Fitzwater Chest Training in Europe
Lets talk about Martin Fitzwater Chest Training and exercises that makes a difference.
Martin Fitzwater 5 Chest Exercises
| Exercise | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Pec Deck Flyes | Shoulder depression, chest isolation |
| Bodyweight Dips | Chest elevation, wide elbows |
| Machine Dips | Deep stretch, upright torso |
| Machine Incline Press | Full range contraction |
| Machine Decline Chest Press | Pec fiber tension |
Fitzwater’s exercise list focused on structure. First, he opened with pec deck flyes to warm up the fibers. Then, he added dips — both bodyweight and machine-assisted.
Next, he transitioned to pressing movements. He chose incline and decline machines for a full spectrum of chest engagement. These machines allowed him to control each rep better than free weights.
Finally, he performed all exercises with tempo and full range of motion. He avoided rushing. Instead, he prioritized tension and stretch to stimulate growth in the chest.
Front Delt Domination: Fixing Flaws
At the pec deck, Kienzl cued Fitzwater to drop his shoulders and elbows. Also, he emphasized lifting the chest and avoiding a forward lean. These changes targeted the pecs directly.
Then, Kienzl warned of common form breakdowns. Furthermore, rounding the shoulders or hiking the elbows shifts tension to the delts and triceps. Moreover, improper scapular control limits chest activation significantly.
“When you isolate the chest, it’s not that strong. That’s why it’s small.”
— Stefan Kienzl
Fitzwater admitted a common truth that many pros don’t say aloud.
“I’m weak,” he said. “I can feel every single thing trying to take over before my chest does what it’s supposed to.”
Because of improved technique, Fitzwater felt a new level of pump in the outer pecs. He adjusted his torso posture during dips. Then, he flared his elbows wide to maximize the stretch.
Intentional Range & Movement-Specific Cues
Now, Kienzl introduced a crucial cue: pull with the pec fibers. This mental cue helped Fitzwater fire the right muscles. He stayed focused to avoid letting other areas dominate.
“Pull with the [pec] fibers.”
— Stefan Kienzl
Next, Fitzwater worked on developing his mind-muscle connection. He approached every rep with intention. That way, he could make every movement count.
Finally, Fitzwater added partial reps after full-range sets. These burned out his chest and added extra volume. He believes this tactic will address his weak points heading into Olympia prep.
Form Cues: Flyes & Dips
Flyes
-
Drop shoulders and elbows
-
Lift chest
-
Pull with pecs, not delts or triceps
-
Avoid leaning forward
During flyes, Fitzwater focused on alignment. He depressed his shoulders to prevent front delt takeover. Then, he elevated his chest to increase pec stretch.
He kept his arms fixed and avoided rounding. By doing so, he stayed locked in the chest. This control was essential for isolating the target area.
Dips
-
Maintain upright torso
-
Keep arms neutral to the torso
-
Widen elbows
-
Deep stretch in the chest
In dips, Fitzwater used a neutral arm path to mimic a most muscular pose. He leaned back slightly to keep stress on the chest. Then, he lowered himself for a deep, controlled stretch.
Now, his goal is to make dips more than just a triceps move. Instead, he wants to turn them into a pec-focused finisher. These refinements could be key on the Olympia stage.
Watch Martin Fitzwater Chest Training in Europe below:
References
- Pearl ML, Jackins S, Lippitt SB, Sidles JA, Matsen FA 3rd. Humeroscapular positions in a shoulder range-of-motion-examination. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1992 Nov;1(6):296-305. doi: 10.1016/S1058-2746(09)80056-6. Epub 2009 Feb 19. PMID: 22959252.
- Nascimento PHF, Caldeira CN, Diniz RCR, Andrade AGP, Chagas MH, Lima FV. Internal Focus of Attention did Not Change Muscle Activation and the Rate of Perceived Exertion in Bench Press Exercise in Successive Training Sessions. Percept Mot Skills. 2025 May 15:315125251343156. doi: 10.1177/00315125251343156. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40372111.
Exclusive Bodybuilding Content At Colosseum Strength
- 2025 Republic of Texas Pro Results
- Ronnie Coleman Faces Life-Threatening Sepsis Battle, Remains in Treatment
- Nick Walker Reveals His Back Workout Routine For 2025 Mr. Olympia
- Christina Bitner Women’s Physique Pro and Fitness Influencer Dies at 41
- Victor Martinez Recovering After Medical Emergency Surgery
- Angel Calderon Frias Forced to Withdraw From 2025 Mr. Olympia Due to Triceps Injury
- 2025 1 Bro Pro Men’s Physique Show Preview
- 2025 Chicago Pro Bodybuilding Show Preview
- 2025 Musclecontest Brazil Pro Bodybuilding Show Preview
- 2025 Taiwan Pro 2 Bodybuilding Show Preview
- 2025 Gomesia Ultimate Battle Pro Medellin Supershow Preview
- Chris Bumstead Post-Retirement Physique Sparks Speculation About a Future Return
- Big Ramy Declares His Intent to Return to Mr. Olympia : “I Will Be Back”
- 2025 Los Angeles Pro Championships Bikini Division Preview
- 2025 1 Bro Pro Men’s Physique Show Results
- 2025 Chicago Pro Results
- 2025 Los Angeles Pro Championships Results
- 2025 Taiwan Pro 2 Bodybuilding Show Results
- 2025 Musclecontest Brazil Pro Results
- 2025 Gomesia Ultimate Battle Pro Medellin Supershow Results
- 2025 Van Pro Am Bodybuilding Show Preview
- 2025 Xtreme Bodybuilding Mexico Pro Show Preview
- Victor Martinez released from hospital after emergency spinal surgery and confirms laminectomy in update
- Ronnie Coleman Reflects on Experience with Sepsis, Says Heart is Performing at 20%
- Sam Sulek Crushes Full Back Day Workout Routine with Chris Bumstead & David Laid
- IFBB Pro Bikini Athlete Lorena Blanco Dies at 37 from Heart Attack
- 2025 Van Pro Am Results
- 2025 Xtreme Bodybuilding Mexico Pro Results
- Wesley Vissers Competed in a Hybrid Competition
- Martin Fitzwater Evolved His Chest Training in Europe
UFC
2026 Arnold Classic
Entertainment
Overview
In July 2025, 🇺🇸 Martin Fitzwater traveled to Europe to improve his chest training with coach Stefan Kienzl. There, he focused on precision, control, and muscle-specific activation. As a result, he refined his technique to shift tension away from his delts and triceps. Now, his goal is to improve upon his fourth-place finish at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. To do that, he adjusted his form, emphasized mind-muscle connection, and applied cues like “pull with the pec fibers.” He also relied on machines and bodyweight dips for targeted overload. In the end, Fitzwater walked away with a stronger chest and a smarter approach to training.
Featured Image – Martin Fitzwater Evolved His Chest Training in Europe – Credit: @martfitzh2o (Instagram)
