Smith Machine Bench Press vs Incline Bench Press
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Smith Machine Bench Press and Incline Bench Press are close in use — 12,704 vs 8,934 sessions logged. What separates them is Chest loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Bench Press and Incline Bench Press and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Smith Machine Bench Press vs Incline 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 8,934 for Incline Bench Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Bench Press and Incline 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 Incline Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Bench Press | Incline Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,704 sessions | 8,934 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Smith Machine Bench Press or Incline Bench Press?
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 Smith Machine Bench Press and Incline Bench Press need?
Smith Machine Bench Press needs a machine, and Incline Bench Press needs a barbell.
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