Barbell Tricep Extension vs Close Grip Bench Press
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions vs 765. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Barbell Tricep Extension vs Close Grip Bench Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions compared to 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench 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 Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Barbell Tricep Extension | Close Grip Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | triceps | chest and triceps |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 765 sessions | 3,186 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Tricep Extension
Barbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbows fixed and lower your arms behind your head.
- 2. After lowering them behind your head, slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
For a full Barbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Bench Press
Close Grip Bench Press Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches your chest.
- 2. Bend your elbows as you go down.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back up to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward past your chest, as it can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
For a full Close Grip Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Barbell Tricep Extension or Close Grip Bench Press?
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions against 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Tricep Extension loads triceps, and Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press need?
Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell, and Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Tricep Extension once your form holds up.
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