Bench Press vs Hammer Strength Chest Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions vs 1,254. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bench Press and Hammer Strength Chest Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Bench Press vs Hammer Strength Chest 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 1,254 for Hammer Strength Chest Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Press and Hammer Strength Chest 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 Hammer Strength Chest Press Differ
| What differs | Bench Press | Hammer Strength Chest Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38,526 sessions | 1,254 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 Hammer Strength Chest Press
Hammer Strength Chest Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please push the handle firmly.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you fully extend your elbow, it can be strained, so do not extend it all the way.
For a full Hammer Strength Chest Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hammer Strength Chest Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Bench Press or Hammer Strength Chest Press?
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions against 1,254 for Hammer Strength Chest 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 Hammer Strength Chest Press need?
Bench Press needs a barbell, and Hammer Strength Chest Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Hammer Strength Chest Press once your form holds up.
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