Dumbbell Pullover vs Hand Release Push Up

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions vs 13. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Hand Release Push Up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Dumbbell Pullover vs Hand Release Push Up: 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 13 for Hand Release Push Up.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover and Hand Release Push Up 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 Hand Release Push Up Differ

What differsDumbbell PulloverHand Release Push Up
Muscles workedchest, back, and tricepschest, triceps, traps, and front delts
Equipmenta dumbbellbodyweight only
Difficulty4 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,159 sessions13 sessions

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How to Do Dumbbell Pullover

Dumbbell Pullover demo video

Dumbbell Pullover Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell above your head.
  2. 2. At this time, your chest and back should be sufficiently stretched.
  3. 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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. 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.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Pullover?Exercise Guide

How to Do Hand Release Push Up

Hand Release Push Up demo video

Hand Release Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. First, lower your body until your chest touches the floor, getting into a fully prone position.
  2. 2. In that position, briefly lift both hands off the floor and then place them back down.
  3. 3. Push the floor with your hands, straighten your arms, and lift your body up to complete the push-up.
  4. 4. Slowly lower your body again until your chest touches the floor, and repeat the motion of lifting your hands.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Engage your core to prevent your back from bending or sagging.
  2. 2. Move smoothly and steadily to avoid straining your wrists and shoulders.
  3. 3. In the beginning, focus on practicing correct posture rather than aiming for a high number of repetitions.

For a full Hand Release Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hand Release Push Up exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Hand Release Push Up?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Pullover or Hand Release Push Up?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions against 13 for Hand Release Push Up. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Dumbbell Pullover and Hand Release Push Up work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Hand Release Push Up loads chest, triceps, traps, and front delts.

What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Hand Release Push Up need?

Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Hand Release Push Up needs bodyweight only.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Pullover is the easier place to start. Move to Hand Release Push Up once your form holds up.

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