Barbell Pullover vs Cable Chest Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press are close in use — 185 vs 147 sessions logged. What separates them is Chest loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Barbell Pullover vs Cable Chest Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Chest Press more often — 185 sessions compared to 147 for Barbell Pullover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press 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 Cable Chest Press Differ
| What differs | Barbell Pullover | Cable Chest Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, triceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 147 sessions | 185 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 Cable Chest Press
Cable Chest Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Tense your chest and push the handle forward while extending your arms.
- 2. Feel the contraction in your chest at the point where your hands come together in front of your body and hold for a moment.
- 3. Slowly bend your elbows to return the handle to the starting position beside your chest.
- 4. Engage your core to prevent your body from leaning back and repeat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Do not excessively arch your back or stick out your ribs too much.
- 2. Maintain balance with your feet and core to prevent your body from swaying back and forth.
- 3. If you feel pain in your shoulders, adjust the angle of your arms and the height of the cable.
For a full Cable Chest Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Chest Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Barbell Pullover or Cable Chest Press?
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 Cable Chest Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Cable Chest Press loads chest, triceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Barbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press need?
Barbell Pullover needs a barbell, and Cable Chest Press needs a machine.
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