Incline Dumbbell 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 2. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.

Compare the benefits of Incline Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Incline Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Bench Press more often — 26,837 sessions compared to 16,189 for Incline Chest Press Machine.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine Differ

What differsIncline Dumbbell Bench PressIncline Chest Press Machine
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty2 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users26,837 sessions16,189 sessions

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Not sure whether Incline Dumbbell Bench Press or Incline Chest Press Machine fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press demo video

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell so that it is next to your chest.
  2. 2. At this time, your forearm should be perpendicular to the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell back to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. If you can't lower the dumbbell to chest height, please lower it as much as you can without straining.
  2. 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward of your chest, as this can put strain on your shoulders.
  3. 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.

For a full Incline Dumbbell Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Incline Dumbbell Bench Press?Exercise Guide

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Incline Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Bench Press and Incline Chest Press Machine need?

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press needs a dumbbell, 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 Dumbbell Bench Press once your form holds up.

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