Smith Machine Bench Press vs Decline Bench Press Machine
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Bench Press more often — 12,704 sessions vs 2,527. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Bench Press and Decline Bench Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Smith Machine Bench Press vs Decline Bench Press Machine: 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 2,527 for Decline Bench Press Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Bench Press and Decline Bench 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 Smith Machine Bench Press and Decline Bench Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Bench Press | Decline Bench Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Smith-machine | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,704 sessions | 2,527 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 Decline Bench Press Machine
Decline Bench Press Machine Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please push the handle firmly.
- 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 Decline Bench Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Decline Bench Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Smith Machine Bench Press or Decline Bench Press Machine?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Bench Press more often — 12,704 sessions against 2,527 for Decline Bench Press Machine. 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 Decline Bench Press Machine need?
Smith Machine Bench Press needs a machine, and Decline Bench Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Bench Press is the easier place to start. Move to Decline Bench Press Machine once your form holds up.
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