Bench Press vs Incline Chest Press Machine
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions vs 16,189. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Bench Press vs Incline Chest 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 16,189 for Incline Chest Press Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Press and Incline Chest 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 Incline Chest Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Bench Press | Incline Chest Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38,526 sessions | 16,189 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 Incline Chest Press Machine
Incline Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please push the handle hard.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you fully extend your elbow, it may strain, so it doesn't extend all the way.
For a full Incline Chest Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Chest Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Bench Press or Incline Chest Press Machine?
Planfit users log Bench Press more often — 38,526 sessions against 16,189 for Incline Chest 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 Incline Chest Press Machine need?
Bench Press needs a barbell, and Incline Chest Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Bench Press once your form holds up.
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