Barbell Pullover vs Bear Push-up
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Pullover more often — 147 sessions vs 49. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Pullover and Bear Push-up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Barbell Pullover vs Bear Push-up: 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 49 for Bear Push-up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Pullover and Bear Push-up 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 Bear Push-up Differ
| What differs | Barbell Pullover | Bear Push-up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, triceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 147 sessions | 49 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 Bear Push-up
Bear Push-up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Stand on all fours and take the push-up position.
- 2. Bend your arms and lower your chest.
- 3. Straighten your arms and lift your body.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your upper body straight.
For a full Bear Push-up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bear Push-up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Barbell Pullover or Bear Push-up?
Planfit users log Barbell Pullover more often — 147 sessions against 49 for Bear Push-up. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Pullover and Bear Push-up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Bear Push-up loads chest, triceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Barbell Pullover and Bear Push-up need?
Barbell Pullover needs a barbell, and Bear Push-up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Bear Push-up is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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