Dumbbell Pullover vs Incline Hammer Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions vs 458. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Hammer Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Pullover vs Incline Hammer Bench 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 458 for Incline Hammer Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Hammer Bench 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 Incline Hammer Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Pullover | Incline Hammer Bench 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 | 458 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 Incline Hammer Bench Press
Incline Hammer Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Push the machine handle up and forward while slowly extending your arms.
- 2. Raise it until your arms are almost straight and the handle gets close to your chest, then pause for a moment.
- 3. Slowly bend your elbows and gently lower the handle back to the starting position.
- 4. Control the movement so that both arms move at the same speed and repeat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Stop with a slight allowance rather than completely locking your arms.
- 2. Keep your shoulders down by pressing your back against the bench completely.
- 3. Push the handle straight ahead to avoid bending your wrists.
For a full Incline Hammer Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Hammer Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Pullover or Incline Hammer Bench Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions against 458 for Incline Hammer Bench 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 Incline Hammer Bench Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Incline Hammer Bench Press loads chest, triceps, and front delts.
What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Hammer Bench Press need?
Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Incline Hammer Bench Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Pullover is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Hammer Bench Press once your form holds up.
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