Close Grip Bench Press vs Tricep Pushdown Machine
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Tricep Pushdown Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Triceps form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Close Grip Bench Press and Tricep Pushdown Machine and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Close Grip Bench Press vs Tricep Pushdown Machine: 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 2,436 for Tricep Pushdown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Close Grip Bench Press and Tricep Pushdown Machine 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 Tricep Pushdown Machine Differ
| What differs | Close Grip Bench Press | Tricep Pushdown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest and triceps | triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,186 sessions | 2,436 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 Tricep Pushdown Machine
Tricep Pushdown Machine Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Grip the handle tightly and push down.
- 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 Tricep Pushdown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Tricep Pushdown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Close Grip Bench Press or Tricep Pushdown Machine?
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 Tricep Pushdown Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps, and Tricep Pushdown Machine loads triceps.
What equipment do Close Grip Bench Press and Tricep Pushdown Machine need?
Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell, and Tricep Pushdown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Tricep Pushdown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Bench Press once your form holds up.
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