Weighted Push Up vs Bear Push-up
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Bear Push-up is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 5. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Weighted Push Up and Bear Push-up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Weighted Push Up vs Bear Push-up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Weighted Push Up more often — 79 sessions compared to 49 for Bear Push-up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Weighted Push Up and Bear Push-up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Weighted Push Up and Bear Push-up Differ
| What differs | Weighted Push Up | Bear Push-up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a standard setup | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 79 sessions | 49 sessions |
How to Do Weighted Push Up
Weighted Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slowly lower your body until your chest is close to the floor by bending your elbows.
- 2. After feeling tension in your chest and pausing, push your body back up to the starting position by straightening your arms.
- 3. Maintain a straight line to prevent your hips from sagging or rising too high when your body is lifted.
- 4. Repeat the same movement for the specified number of repetitions.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Gradually increase the weight without putting strain on your waist and shoulders.
- 2. Engage your abdomen and glutes to prevent your back from sagging.
- 3. If you feel pain in your shoulders or wrists, stop immediately and adjust the weight.
For a full Weighted Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Weighted Push Up exercise guide.
How to Do Bear Push-up
Bear Push-up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Stand on all fours and take the push-up position.
- 2. Bend your arms and lower your chest.
- 3. Straighten your arms and lift your body.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your upper body straight.
For a full Bear Push-up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bear Push-up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Weighted Push Up or Bear Push-up?
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 Weighted Push Up and Bear Push-up need?
Weighted Push Up needs a standard setup, and Bear Push-up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Bear Push-up is the easier place to start. Move to Weighted Push Up once your form holds up.
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