Barbell Pullover vs Kettlebell Push Up
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Kettlebell Push Up is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Pullover and Kettlebell Push Up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Barbell Pullover vs Kettlebell 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 87 for Kettlebell Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Pullover and Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Push Up Differ
| What differs | Barbell Pullover | Kettlebell Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, triceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 147 sessions | 87 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 Kettlebell Push Up
Kettlebell Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Grab the kettlebell handle with both hands and take a push-up position.
- 2. Lower your chest towards the floor while bending your elbows.
- 3. Straighten your arms and return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please go down only as much as you can without straining your shoulders.
- 2. Keep your core engaged to prevent your hips from dropping.
For a full Kettlebell Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Barbell Pullover or Kettlebell Push Up?
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 Kettlebell Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Kettlebell Push Up loads chest, triceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Barbell Pullover and Kettlebell Push Up need?
Barbell Pullover needs a barbell, and Kettlebell Push Up needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Push Up is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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