Bench Press vs EZ-bar Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions vs 21. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bench Press and EZ-bar Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Bench Press vs EZ-bar 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 21 for EZ-bar Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Press and EZ-bar 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 EZ-bar Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Bench Press | EZ-bar Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38,526 sessions | 21 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 EZ-bar Bench Press
EZ-bar Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the bar while naturally spreading your elbows to the sides.
- 2. When the bar comes down just above your chest, pause for a moment.
- 3. Using the strength of your chest and triceps, push the bar back up to return to the starting position.
- 4. Do not fully lock your elbows; keep them slightly bent to maintain tension.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Avoid using excessive weight as it puts a lot of strain on your shoulders and elbows.
- 2. Be careful not to overly flare your elbows to prevent shoulder pinching.
- 3. If possible, proceed safely with a spotter.
For a full EZ-bar Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the EZ-bar Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Bench Press or EZ-bar Bench Press?
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions against 21 for EZ-bar 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 EZ-bar Bench Press need?
Bench Press needs a barbell, and EZ-bar Bench Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to EZ-bar Bench Press once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

