Incline Bench Press vs Incline Chest Press Machine
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Incline Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Incline Bench Press vs Incline Chest Press Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Incline Chest Press Machine more often — 16,189 sessions compared to 8,934 for Incline Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine 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 Incline Chest Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Incline Bench Press | Incline Chest Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,934 sessions | 16,189 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 Incline Chest Press Machine
Incline Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please push the handle hard.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you fully extend your elbow, it may strain, so it doesn't extend all the way.
For a full Incline Chest Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Chest Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Incline Bench Press or Incline Chest Press Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Chest, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Incline Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine need?
Incline Bench Press needs a barbell, and Incline Chest Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Bench Press once your form holds up.
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