Decline Push Up vs Barbell Pullover
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Decline Push Up more often — 877 sessions vs 147. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Decline Push Up and Barbell Pullover and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Decline Push Up vs Barbell Pullover: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Decline Push Up more often — 877 sessions compared to 147 for Barbell Pullover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Decline Push Up and Barbell Pullover differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Decline Push Up and Barbell Pullover Differ
| What differs | Decline Push Up | Barbell Pullover |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, triceps, and front delts | chest, back, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 877 sessions | 147 sessions |
How to Do Decline Push Up
Decline Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please lower down until just before your chest touches.
- 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. 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 Decline Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Decline Push Up exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Pullover
Barbell Pullover Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell over your head.
- 2. At this time, your chest and back should be sufficiently stretched.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you can't lower the barbell all the way to the top of your head, please lower it as much as you can without overexerting yourself.
For a full Barbell Pullover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Pullover exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Decline Push Up or Barbell Pullover?
Planfit users log Decline Push Up more often — 877 sessions against 147 for Barbell Pullover. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Decline Push Up and Barbell Pullover work the same muscles?
Not quite. Decline Push Up loads chest, triceps, and front delts, and Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps.
What equipment do Decline Push Up and Barbell Pullover need?
Decline Push Up needs bodyweight only, and Barbell Pullover needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Decline Push Up is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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