Dumbbell Tricep Extension vs Close Grip Bench Press
Which one fits your Triceps workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Tricep Extension more often — 26,196 sessions vs 3,186. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Triceps workout.
Dumbbell Tricep Extension vs Close Grip Bench Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Tricep Extension more often — 26,196 sessions compared to 3,186 for Close Grip Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip 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 Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Tricep Extension | Close Grip Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | triceps | chest and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,196 sessions | 3,186 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Tricep Extension
Dumbbell Tricep Extension Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Please stretch your arms above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
- 3. Please be careful not to let the dumbbell move too far from your head.
For a full Dumbbell Tricep Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Tricep Extension exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Bench Press
Close Grip Bench Press Muscles Worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches your chest.
- 2. Bend your elbows as you go down.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back up to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward past your chest, as it can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
For a full Close Grip Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Dumbbell Tricep Extension or Close Grip Bench Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Tricep Extension more often — 26,196 sessions against 3,186 for Close Grip Bench Press. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Tricep Extension loads triceps, and Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Tricep Extension and Close Grip Bench Press need?
Dumbbell Tricep Extension needs a dumbbell, and Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Tricep Extension is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Bench Press once your form holds up.
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