Bench Press vs Decline Dumbbell Bench Press

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions vs 736. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Bench Press and Decline Dumbbell Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Bench Press vs Decline Dumbbell Bench Press: 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 736 for Decline Dumbbell Bench Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Press and Decline Dumbbell 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 Bench Press and Decline Dumbbell Bench Press Differ

What differsBench PressDecline Dumbbell Bench Press
Equipmenta barbella dumbbell
Difficulty3 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users38,526 sessions736 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Bench Press or Decline Dumbbell Bench Press fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Bench Press

Bench Press demo video

Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches below your chest.
  2. 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lift the barbell back to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. If the barbell does not touch your chest, please lower it as much as possible without overexerting yourself.
  2. 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
  3. 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.

Want to learn more about Bench Press?Exercise Guide

How to Do Decline Dumbbell Bench Press

Decline Dumbbell Bench Press demo video

Decline Dumbbell Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell until it is next to your chest.
  2. 2. At this time, your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. If you have high eye pressure, please substitute with other exercises.
  2. 2. If you cannot lower the dumbbells to chest height, please lower them as much as you can without straining.
  3. 3. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
  4. 4. Please be careful not to let your buttocks come off the bench.

For a full Decline Dumbbell Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Decline Dumbbell Bench Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Decline Dumbbell Bench Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Bench Press or Decline Dumbbell Bench Press?

Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions against 736 for Decline Dumbbell Bench Press. 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 Decline Dumbbell Bench Press need?

Bench Press needs a barbell, and Decline Dumbbell Bench Press needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Decline Dumbbell Bench Press once your form holds up.

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