Incline Chest Press Machine vs Hand Release Push Up

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Incline Chest Press Machine more often — 16,089 sessions vs 13. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Incline Chest Press Machine and Hand Release Push Up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Incline Chest Press Machine vs Hand Release Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Incline Chest Press Machine more often — 16,089 sessions compared to 13 for Hand Release Push Up.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Chest Press Machine and Hand Release 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 Incline Chest Press Machine and Hand Release Push Up Differ

What differsIncline Chest Press MachineHand Release Push Up
Muscles workedchest, triceps, and front deltschest, triceps, traps, and front delts
Equipmenta machinebodyweight only
Difficulty1 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users16,089 sessions13 sessions

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How to Do Incline Chest Press Machine

Incline Chest Press Machine demo video

Incline Chest Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Please push the handle hard.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Incline Chest Press Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do Hand Release Push Up

Hand Release Push Up demo video

Hand Release Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. First, lower your body until your chest touches the floor, getting into a fully prone position.
  2. 2. In that position, briefly lift both hands off the floor and then place them back down.
  3. 3. Push the floor with your hands, straighten your arms, and lift your body up to complete the push-up.
  4. 4. Slowly lower your body again until your chest touches the floor, and repeat the motion of lifting your hands.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Engage your core to prevent your back from bending or sagging.
  2. 2. Move smoothly and steadily to avoid straining your wrists and shoulders.
  3. 3. In the beginning, focus on practicing correct posture rather than aiming for a high number of repetitions.

For a full Hand Release Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hand Release Push Up exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Hand Release Push Up?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Incline Chest Press Machine or Hand Release Push Up?

Planfit users log Incline Chest Press Machine more often — 16,089 sessions against 13 for Hand Release Push Up. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Incline Chest Press Machine and Hand Release Push Up work the same muscles?

Not quite. Incline Chest Press Machine loads chest, triceps, and front delts, and Hand Release Push Up loads chest, triceps, traps, and front delts.

What equipment do Incline Chest Press Machine and Hand Release Push Up need?

Incline Chest Press Machine needs a machine, and Hand Release Push Up needs bodyweight only.

Which is easier to start with?

Incline Chest Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Hand Release Push Up once your form holds up.

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