Bench Press vs Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Bench Press and Incline Dumbbell Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Bench Press vs Incline 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 26,837 for Incline Dumbbell Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bench Press and Incline 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 Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Bench Press | Incline Dumbbell Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38,526 sessions | 26,837 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 Dumbbell Bench Press
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell so that it is next to your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you can't lower the dumbbell to chest height, please lower it as much as you can without straining.
- 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 Incline Dumbbell Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Bench Press or Incline Dumbbell Bench Press?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Chest, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Bench Press and Incline Dumbbell Bench Press need?
Bench Press needs a barbell, and Incline Dumbbell Bench Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Bench Press once your form holds up.
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