Triceps Extension Machine vs Close Grip Bench Press
Maximizing Your Triceps Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions vs 1,388. Compare Triceps form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Triceps Workout: Explore the Benefits of Triceps Extension Machine and Close Grip Bench Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Triceps Extension Machine vs Close Grip Bench Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions compared to 1,388 for Triceps Extension Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Triceps Extension Machine and Close Grip Bench Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Triceps Extension Machine and Close Grip Bench Press Differ
| What differs | Triceps Extension Machine | Close Grip Bench Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | triceps | chest and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,388 sessions | 3,186 sessions |
How to Triceps Extension Machine
Triceps Extension Machine muscles worked: Triceps
Form
- Lower your arms until your forearms are parallel to the ground.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position while bearing the weight.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overextend your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Triceps Extension Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Triceps Extension Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Close Grip Bench Press
Close Grip Bench Press muscles worked: Triceps
Form
- 1. Slowly lower the barbell until it touches your chest.
- 2. Bend your elbows as you go down.
- 3. Slowly lift the barbell back up to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Be careful not to let your shoulders come forward past your chest, as it can put strain on your shoulders.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your hips come off the bench.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip Bench Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip Bench Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Triceps, Triceps Extension Machine or Close Grip Bench Press?
Planfit users log Close Grip Bench Press more often — 3,186 sessions against 1,388 for Triceps Extension Machine. Both train Triceps, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Triceps Extension Machine and Close Grip Bench Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Triceps Extension Machine loads triceps, and Close Grip Bench Press loads chest and triceps.
What equipment do Triceps Extension Machine and Close Grip Bench Press need?
Triceps Extension Machine needs a machine, and Close Grip Bench Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Triceps Extension Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Bench Press once your form holds up.
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