Hammer Bench Press vs Push-up Plus
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions vs 131. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Hammer Bench Press and Push-up Plus and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Hammer Bench Press vs Push-up Plus: 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 131 for Push-up Plus.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Hammer Bench Press and Push-up Plus 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 Push-up Plus Differ
| What differs | Hammer Bench Press | Push-up Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,765 sessions | 131 sessions |
How to Do Hammer Bench Press
Hammer Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower your hand to the side of your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly lift it back up to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please lower it as much as possible without overdoing it.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as it can strain your shoulders.
- 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.
How to Do Push-up Plus
Push-up Plus Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Take the push-up position.
- 2. Push your shoulders forward and lift your body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your upper body straight.
For a full Push-up Plus guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Push-up Plus exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Hammer Bench Press or Push-up Plus?
Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions against 131 for Push-up Plus. 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 Push-up Plus need?
Hammer Bench Press needs a machine, and Push-up Plus needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Push-up Plus is the easier place to start. Move to Hammer Bench Press once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

