Chest Press Machine vs Incline Smith Machine Bench Press

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions vs 15,214. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Chest Press Machine and Incline Smith Machine Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Chest Press Machine vs Incline Smith Machine 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 15,214 for Incline Smith Machine Bench Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Chest Press Machine and Incline Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Bench Press Differ

What differsChest Press MachineIncline Smith Machine Bench Press
Machine typepin-loadedSmith-machine
Difficulty1 of 53 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users46,851 sessions15,214 sessions

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Not sure whether Chest Press Machine or Incline Smith Machine Bench Press fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Chest Press Machine

Chest Press Machine demo video

Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Please push the handle hard.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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. 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.

Want to learn more about Chest Press Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do Incline Smith Machine Bench Press

Incline Smith Machine Bench Press demo video

Incline Smith Machine Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 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. 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lift the barbell back to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. If the barbell does not touch your chest, please lower it as much as possible without straining.
  2. 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
  3. 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.

For a full Incline Smith Machine Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Smith Machine Bench Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Incline Smith Machine Bench Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Chest Press Machine or Incline Smith Machine Bench Press?

Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions against 15,214 for Incline Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Bench Press need?

Chest Press Machine needs a machine, and Incline Smith Machine Bench Press needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Smith Machine Bench Press once your form holds up.

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