Incline Bench Press vs Close Grip Incline Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Incline Bench Press more often — 8,934 sessions vs 61. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Incline Bench Press and Close Grip Incline Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Incline Bench Press vs Close Grip Incline Bench Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Incline Bench Press more often — 8,934 sessions compared to 61 for Close Grip Incline Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Bench Press and Close Grip Incline 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 Incline Bench Press and Close Grip Incline Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Incline Bench Press | Close Grip Incline Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,934 sessions | 61 sessions |
How to Do Incline Bench Press
Incline Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches the upper part of your chest. The barbell should touch higher than in a regular bench press.
- 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the floor.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If the barbell does not touch your chest, please lower it as much as possible without overdoing it.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
For a full Incline Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Incline Bench Press
Close Grip Incline Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Keep your elbows close to your torso and slowly lower the barbell towards your upper chest.
- 2. When the barbell is close to your chest, pause for a moment and feel the tension in your chest and triceps.
- 3. Push the barbell up with the strength of your chest and triceps to return to the starting position.
- 4. Do not fully lock your elbows; keep them slightly bent to maintain tension.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Excessive weight can put strain on your shoulders and elbows, so be careful.
- 2. Always maintain a vertical path to prevent the barbell from shifting towards your face or neck.
- 3. It's safer to exercise with a spotter if possible.
For a full Close Grip Incline Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Incline Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Incline Bench Press or Close Grip Incline Bench Press?
Planfit users log Incline Bench Press more often — 8,934 sessions against 61 for Close Grip Incline Bench Press. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Incline Bench Press and Close Grip Incline Bench Press need?
Incline Bench Press needs a barbell, and Close Grip Incline Bench Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Incline Bench Press once your form holds up.
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