Bench Press vs Bench Press Machine
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions vs 181. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bench Press and Bench Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Bench Press vs Bench Press Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions compared to 181 for Bench Press Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Press and Bench Press Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Bench Press and Bench Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Bench Press | Bench Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38,526 sessions | 181 sessions |
How to Do Bench Press
Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches below your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If the barbell does not touch your chest, please lower it as much as possible without overexerting yourself.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
For a full Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Bench Press Machine
Bench Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Tense your chest and push the handle forward while extending your arms.
- 2. Do not fully lock your arms, and pause briefly at the point where your chest contracts.
- 3. Slowly return the handle to the starting position while feeling your chest stretch.
- 4. Repeat the same motion without any rebound.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from arching excessively.
- 2. Keep your wrists straight to avoid bending.
- 3. Adjust your range of motion so that your elbows do not go too far behind your body, putting strain on your shoulders.
For a full Bench Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bench Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Bench Press or Bench Press Machine?
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions against 181 for Bench Press Machine. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Bench Press and Bench Press Machine need?
Bench Press needs a barbell, and Bench Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Bench Press Machine once your form holds up.
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