Hammer Bench Press vs Circle Push-up

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions vs 116. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

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

Hammer Bench Press vs Circle 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 116 for Circle Push-up.

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

What differsHammer Bench PressCircle Push-up
Equipmenta machinebodyweight only
Difficulty5 of 54 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users2,765 sessions116 sessions

Related comparisons

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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 Circle Push-up

Circle Push-up demo video

Circle Push-up Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Shift your weight to one side and lower your body diagonally toward it.
  2. 2. As your chest nears the floor, sweep your weight across to the opposite side along a circular path.
  3. 3. Push the floor away with the opposite arm to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. Keep your torso in a straight line and do not let your lower back sag.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Planfit users log Hammer Bench Press more often — 2,765 sessions against 116 for Circle 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 Circle Push-up need?

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

Which is easier to start with?

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

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