Smith Machine Bench Press vs Band Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Bench Press more often — 12,704 sessions vs 8. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Bench Press and Band Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Smith Machine Bench Press vs Band Bench Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Bench Press more often — 12,704 sessions compared to 8 for Band Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Bench Press and Band 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 Smith Machine Bench Press and Band Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Bench Press | Band Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,704 sessions | 8 sessions |
How to Do Smith Machine Bench Press
Smith Machine Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches just below your chest.
- 2. At this time, your forearms should be perpendicular to the ground.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back up to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If the barbell does not touch your chest, please lower it as much as possible without overexerting yourself.
- 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 Smith Machine Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Bench Press exercise guide.
How to Do Band Bench Press
Band Bench Press Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Hang the band behind your back and grab the handle.
- 2. Extend your arms and push the band away to work your chest.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- Hold the band at chest height and do not strain your shoulders.
For a full Band Bench Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Bench Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Smith Machine Bench Press or Band Bench Press?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Bench Press more often — 12,704 sessions against 8 for Band 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 Smith Machine Bench Press and Band Bench Press need?
Smith Machine Bench Press needs a machine, and Band Bench Press needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Bench Press once your form holds up.
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