Barbell Pullover vs Band Crossover
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Band Crossover is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Pullover and Band Crossover and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Barbell Pullover vs Band Crossover: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Pullover more often — 147 sessions compared to 131 for Band Crossover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Pullover and Band Crossover differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Pullover and Band Crossover Differ
| What differs | Barbell Pullover | Band Crossover |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, biceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 147 sessions | 131 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Pullover
Barbell Pullover Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell over your head.
- 2. At this time, your chest and back should be sufficiently stretched.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you can't lower the barbell all the way to the top of your head, please lower it as much as you can without overexerting yourself.
For a full Barbell Pullover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Pullover exercise guide.
How to Do Band Crossover
Band Crossover Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Hold the band with both hands, standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Cross one arm over the other and pull the band forward.
- 3. After crossing your arms, slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Slightly bend your arms and bring your hands together using your chest muscles.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
For a full Band Crossover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Crossover exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Barbell Pullover or Band Crossover?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Chest, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Pullover and Band Crossover work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Band Crossover loads chest, biceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Barbell Pullover and Band Crossover need?
Barbell Pullover needs a barbell, and Band Crossover needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Crossover is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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