Chest Press Machine vs Jackhammer Pushdown
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions vs 13. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Chest Press Machine and Jackhammer Pushdown and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Chest Press Machine vs Jackhammer Pushdown: 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 13 for Jackhammer Pushdown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Chest Press Machine and Jackhammer Pushdown 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 Jackhammer Pushdown Differ
| What differs | Chest Press Machine | Jackhammer Pushdown |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, triceps, and front delts | chest and triceps |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 46,851 sessions | 13 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 Jackhammer Pushdown
Jackhammer Pushdown Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Keep your elbow fixed and push the handle down to straighten your arm.
- 2. Hold the feeling of contraction in your triceps at the bottom position for a moment.
- 3. While keeping your elbow from moving back, slowly return the handle to the starting position.
- 4. Repeat the same motion smoothly without any bouncing.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Keep your elbows fixed so they don't move back and forth, and be careful not to push with your shoulders.
- 2. Keep your wrists straight so they don't bend.
- 3. Avoid weights that are too heavy to the point of compromising your form.
For a full Jackhammer Pushdown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Jackhammer Pushdown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Chest Press Machine or Jackhammer Pushdown?
Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions against 13 for Jackhammer Pushdown. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Chest Press Machine and Jackhammer Pushdown work the same muscles?
Not quite. Chest Press Machine loads chest, triceps, and front delts, and Jackhammer Pushdown loads chest and triceps.
What equipment do Chest Press Machine and Jackhammer Pushdown need?
Chest Press Machine needs a machine, and Jackhammer Pushdown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Jackhammer Pushdown once your form holds up.
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