Close Grip Bench Press vs Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions vs 957. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Close Grip Bench Press and Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Close Grip Bench Press vs Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions compared to 957 for Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Close Grip Bench Press and Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Close Grip Bench Press and Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension Differ
| What differs | Close Grip Bench Press | Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest and triceps | triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,186 sessions | 957 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Close Grip Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension
Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Keep your elbow fixed and push your arm up to stretch it.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
- 3. Please be careful not to bend your wrists.
For a full Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Close Grip Bench Press or Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension?
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions against 957 for Lying Dumbbell 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 Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension work the same muscles?
Not quite. Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps, and Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension loads triceps.
What equipment do Close Grip Bench Press and Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension need?
Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell, and Lying Dumbbell Tricep Extension needs a dumbbell.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

