Chest Press Machine vs Wide Push Up
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions vs 494. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Chest Press Machine and Wide Push Up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Chest Press Machine vs Wide Push Up: 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 494 for Wide Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Chest Press Machine and Wide Push Up 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 Wide Push Up Differ
| What differs | Chest Press Machine | Wide Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 46,851 sessions | 494 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 Wide Push Up
Wide Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself until your chest is just about to touch the ground.
- 2. Engage your chest and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please go down only as much as you can without straining your shoulders.
- 2. Keep your core engaged to prevent your hips from dropping.
For a full Wide Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Chest Press Machine or Wide Push Up?
Planfit users log Chest Press Machine more often — 46,851 sessions against 494 for Wide Push Up. 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 Wide Push Up need?
Chest Press Machine needs a machine, and Wide Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Wide Push Up once your form holds up.
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