Close Grip Bench Press vs Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Triceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Close Grip Bench Press and Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Close Grip Bench Press vs Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ more often — 3,915 sessions compared to 3,186 for Close Grip Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Close Grip Bench Press and Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ 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 Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ Differ
| What differs | Close Grip Bench Press | Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest and triceps | triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,186 sessions | 3,915 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 Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ
Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Please stretch your arms forward until they are parallel to the ground.
- 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.
For a full Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Close Grip Bench Press or Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Triceps, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Close Grip Bench Press and Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ work the same muscles?
Not quite. Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps, and Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ loads triceps.
What equipment do Close Grip Bench Press and Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ need?
Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell, and Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Overhead Cable Tricep Extension Ⅱ is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Bench Press once your form holds up.
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