Dumbbell Pullover vs Incline Chest Press Machine

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Incline Chest Press Machine works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Pullover isolates — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. See which fits your Chest day.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Chest Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Dumbbell Pullover vs Incline Chest Press Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Incline Chest Press Machine more often — 16,189 sessions compared to 4,159 for Dumbbell Pullover.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Chest Press Machine 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 Incline Chest Press Machine Differ

What differsDumbbell PulloverIncline Chest Press Machine
Muscles workedchest, back, and tricepschest, triceps, and front delts
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty4 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,159 sessions16,189 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Pullover or Incline Chest Press Machine fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

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 Incline Chest Press Machine

Incline Chest Press Machine demo video

Incline Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Please push the handle hard.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. If you fully extend your elbow, it may strain, so it doesn't extend all the way.

For a full Incline Chest Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Chest Press Machine exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Incline Chest Press Machine?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Pullover or Incline Chest Press Machine?

Planfit users log Incline Chest Press Machine more often — 16,189 sessions against 4,159 for Dumbbell Pullover. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Chest Press Machine work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Incline Chest Press Machine loads chest, triceps, and front delts.

What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Chest Press Machine need?

Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Incline Chest Press Machine needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Pullover once your form holds up.

Stop Guessing Which One to Do

AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

Join 4M+ users who found their perfect workout plan

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image