Dumbbell Bench Press vs Incline Chest Press Machine
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Bench Press vs Incline Chest Press Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bench Press more often — 31,543 sessions compared to 16,189 for Incline Chest Press Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Bench Press | Incline Chest Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 31,543 sessions | 16,189 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Bench Press
Dumbbell Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell so that it is next to your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you can't lower the dumbbell to chest height, please lower it as much as you can without straining.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
For a full Dumbbell Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Incline Chest Press Machine
Incline Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please push the handle hard.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you fully extend your elbow, it may strain, so it doesn't extend all the way.
For a full Incline Chest Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Chest Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Bench Press or Incline Chest Press Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Chest, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine need?
Dumbbell Bench Press needs a dumbbell, and Incline Chest Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Bench Press once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
