Chest Press Machine vs Incline Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions vs 8,934. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Chest Press Machine and Incline Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Chest Press Machine vs Incline Bench Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions compared to 8,934 for Incline Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Chest Press Machine and Incline 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 Chest Press Machine and Incline Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Chest Press Machine | Incline Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 46,851 sessions | 8,934 sessions |
How to Do Chest Press Machine
Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please push the handle hard.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you fully extend your elbows, it can strain your elbow joints and the front of your shoulders, so do not extend them all the way.
- 2. If you overarch your lower back, you may feel pain in your lower back, so engage your abs to stabilize your torso.
For a full Chest Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Chest Press Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Incline Bench Press
Incline Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches the upper part of your chest. The barbell should touch higher than in a regular bench press.
- 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 overdoing it.
- 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 Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Chest Press Machine or Incline Bench Press?
Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions against 8,934 for Incline 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 Chest Press Machine and Incline Bench Press need?
Chest Press Machine needs a machine, and Incline Bench Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Bench Press once your form holds up.
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