Dumbbell Pullover vs Barbell Pullover
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions vs 147. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Barbell Pullover and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Pullover vs Barbell Pullover: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions compared to 147 for Barbell Pullover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover 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 Pullover and Barbell Pullover Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Pullover | Barbell Pullover |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,159 sessions | 147 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Pullover
Dumbbell Pullover Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell above your head.
- 2. At this time, your chest and back should be sufficiently stretched.
- 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or chest, or if it is difficult to lower the dumbbell above the top of your head, do not overexert yourself and lower it only as much as you can, and adjust to a lighter dumbbell.
- 2. Engage your abs to protect your lower back so that your lower back does not overarch.
For a full Dumbbell Pullover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Pullover 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 Pullover or Barbell Pullover?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 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.
What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Barbell Pullover need?
Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Pullover needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Pullover is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Pullover once your form holds up.
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