Close Grip Bench Press vs Barbell Tricep Extension
Maximizing Your Triceps Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions vs 765. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Triceps Workout: Explore the Benefits of Close Grip Bench Press and Barbell Tricep Extension for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Close Grip Bench Press vs Barbell Tricep Extension : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions compared to 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Close Grip Bench Press and Barbell Tricep Extension differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Close Grip Bench Press and Barbell Tricep Extension Differ
| What differs | Close Grip Bench Press | Barbell Tricep Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest and triceps | triceps |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,186 sessions | 765 sessions |
How to Close Grip Bench Press
Close Grip Bench Press muscles worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches your chest.
- 2. Bend your elbows as you go down.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back up to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward past your chest, as it can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip Bench Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip Bench Press Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Tricep Extension
Barbell Tricep Extension muscles worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbows fixed and lower your arms behind your head.
- 2. After lowering them behind your head, slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Tricep Extension, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Tricep Extension Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Close Grip Bench Press or Barbell Tricep Extension?
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions against 765 for Barbell Tricep Extension. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Close Grip Bench Press and Barbell Tricep Extension work the same muscles?
Not quite. Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps, and Barbell Tricep Extension loads triceps.
What equipment do Close Grip Bench Press and Barbell Tricep Extension need?
Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell, and Barbell Tricep Extension needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Tricep Extension once your form holds up.
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