Dumbbell Pullover vs Cable Chest Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions vs 185. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Pullover vs Cable Chest Press: 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 185 for Cable Chest Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press 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 Cable Chest Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Pullover | Cable Chest Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, triceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,159 sessions | 185 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 Cable Chest Press
Cable Chest Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Tense your chest and push the handle forward while extending your arms.
- 2. Feel the contraction in your chest at the point where your hands come together in front of your body and hold for a moment.
- 3. Slowly bend your elbows to return the handle to the starting position beside your chest.
- 4. Engage your core to prevent your body from leaning back and repeat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Do not excessively arch your back or stick out your ribs too much.
- 2. Maintain balance with your feet and core to prevent your body from swaying back and forth.
- 3. If you feel pain in your shoulders, adjust the angle of your arms and the height of the cable.
For a full Cable Chest Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Chest Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Pullover or Cable Chest Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions against 185 for Cable Chest Press. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Cable Chest Press loads chest, triceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Chest Press need?
Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Cable Chest Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Pullover is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Chest Press once your form holds up.
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