Cable Bench Press vs Bench Press Machine
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Cable Bench Press and Bench Press Machine are close in use — 181 vs 99 sessions logged. What separates them is Chest loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Cable Bench Press and Bench Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Cable Bench Press vs Bench Press Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bench Press Machine more often — 181 sessions compared to 99 for Cable Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Bench Press and Bench 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 Cable Bench Press and Bench Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Cable Bench Press | Bench Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 99 sessions | 181 sessions |
How to Do Cable Bench Press
Cable Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower your hand so that it is next to your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly raise your hand to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you cannot lower your hands to chest height, please lower them 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 buttocks fall off the bench.
For a full Cable Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Bench Press Machine
Bench Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Tense your chest and push the handle forward while extending your arms.
- 2. Do not fully lock your arms, and pause briefly at the point where your chest contracts.
- 3. Slowly return the handle to the starting position while feeling your chest stretch.
- 4. Repeat the same motion without any rebound.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from arching excessively.
- 2. Keep your wrists straight to avoid bending.
- 3. Adjust your range of motion so that your elbows do not go too far behind your body, putting strain on your shoulders.
For a full Bench Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bench Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Cable Bench Press or Bench Press Machine?
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 Cable Bench Press and Bench Press Machine need?
Cable Bench Press needs a machine, and Bench Press Machine needs a machine.
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