Dumbbell Pullover vs Cable Crossover
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Crossover are close in use — 7,891 vs 4,159 sessions logged. What separates them is Chest loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Crossover and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Pullover vs Cable Crossover: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Crossover more often — 7,891 sessions compared to 4,159 for Dumbbell Pullover.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Crossover 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 Crossover Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Pullover | Cable Crossover |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, back, and triceps | chest, biceps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,159 sessions | 7,891 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 Crossover
Cable Crossover Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. With your arms slightly bent, bring your hands together using your chest muscles.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please use light weights as this exercise can put strain on the shoulders.
- 2. If you experience shoulder pain, please stop and switch to a different exercise.
- 3. Be careful not to fully extend your arms.
For a full Cable Crossover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Crossover exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Pullover or Cable Crossover?
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.
Do Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Crossover work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Cable Crossover loads chest, biceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Cable Crossover need?
Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Cable Crossover needs a machine.
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