Dumbbell Fly vs Barbell Pullover
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Fly more often — 6,000 sessions vs 147. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Fly and Barbell Pullover and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Fly vs Barbell Pullover: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Fly more often — 6,000 sessions compared to 147 for Barbell Pullover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Fly 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 Dumbbell Fly and Barbell Pullover Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Fly | Barbell Pullover |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, biceps, and front delts | chest, back, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,000 sessions | 147 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Fly
Dumbbell Fly Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slightly bend your arms and lower the dumbbells to chest height.
- 2. Slowly lift the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please use light weights as this exercise can put strain on your shoulders.
- 2. If you experience shoulder pain, please stop and switch to another exercise.
- 3. Be careful not to fully extend your arms.
For a full Dumbbell Fly guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Fly 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, Dumbbell Fly or Barbell Pullover?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Fly more often — 6,000 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 Dumbbell Fly and Barbell Pullover work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Fly loads chest, biceps, and front delts, and Barbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Fly and Barbell Pullover need?
Dumbbell Fly needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Pullover needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Fly is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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