Hammer Bench Press vs Bear Push-up

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions vs 49. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Hammer Bench Press and Bear Push-up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Hammer Bench Press vs Bear Push-up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions compared to 49 for Bear Push-up.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hammer Bench Press and Bear 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 Hammer Bench Press and Bear Push-up Differ

What differsHammer Bench PressBear Push-up
Equipmenta machinebodyweight only
Difficulty5 of 53 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users2,765 sessions49 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Hammer Bench Press or Bear Push-up fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Hammer Bench Press

Hammer Bench Press demo video

Hammer Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower your hand to the side of your chest.
  2. 2. At this time, your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lift it back up to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please lower it as much as possible without overdoing it.
  2. 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as it can strain your shoulders.
  3. 3. Please be careful not to let your hips fall off the bench.

For a full Hammer Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hammer Bench Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Hammer Bench Press?Exercise Guide

How to Do Bear Push-up

Bear Push-up demo video

Bear Push-up Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Stand on all fours and take the push-up position.
  2. 2. Bend your arms and lower your chest.
  3. 3. Straighten your arms and lift your body.

Coach's Tips

  1. Keep your upper body straight.

For a full Bear Push-up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bear Push-up exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Bear Push-up?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Hammer Bench Press or Bear Push-up?

Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions against 49 for Bear Push-up. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Hammer Bench Press and Bear Push-up need?

Hammer Bench Press needs a machine, and Bear Push-up needs bodyweight only.

Which is easier to start with?

Bear Push-up is the easier place to start. Move to Hammer Bench Press once your form holds up.

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