Barbell Pullover vs Push-up Plus
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Push-up Plus 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 Push-up Plus and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Barbell Pullover vs Push-up Plus: 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 Push-up Plus.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Pullover and Push-up Plus 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 Push-up Plus Differ
| What differs | Barbell Pullover | Push-up Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, triceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 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 Push-up Plus
Push-up Plus Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Take the push-up position.
- 2. Push your shoulders forward and lift your body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your upper body straight.
For a full Push-up Plus guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Push-up Plus exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Barbell Pullover or Push-up Plus?
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 Push-up Plus work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Push-up Plus loads chest, triceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Barbell Pullover and Push-up Plus need?
Barbell Pullover needs a barbell, and Push-up Plus needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Push-up Plus is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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