Weighted Push Up vs Hand Release Push Up
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Weighted Push Up more often — 79 sessions vs 13. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Weighted Push Up and Hand Release Push Up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Weighted Push Up vs Hand Release 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 13 for Hand Release Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Weighted Push Up and Hand Release 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 Hand Release Push Up Differ
| What differs | Weighted Push Up | Hand Release Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | chest, triceps, and front delts | chest, triceps, traps, and front delts |
| Equipment | a standard setup | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 79 sessions | 13 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 Hand Release Push Up
Hand Release Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. First, lower your body until your chest touches the floor, getting into a fully prone position.
- 2. In that position, briefly lift both hands off the floor and then place them back down.
- 3. Push the floor with your hands, straighten your arms, and lift your body up to complete the push-up.
- 4. Slowly lower your body again until your chest touches the floor, and repeat the motion of lifting your hands.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to prevent your back from bending or sagging.
- 2. Move smoothly and steadily to avoid straining your wrists and shoulders.
- 3. In the beginning, focus on practicing correct posture rather than aiming for a high number of repetitions.
For a full Hand Release Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hand Release Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Weighted Push Up or Hand Release Push Up?
Planfit users log Weighted Push Up more often — 79 sessions against 13 for Hand Release Push Up. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Weighted Push Up and Hand Release Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Weighted Push Up loads chest, triceps, and front delts, and Hand Release Push Up loads chest, triceps, traps, and front delts.
What equipment do Weighted Push Up and Hand Release Push Up need?
Weighted Push Up needs a standard setup, and Hand Release Push Up needs bodyweight only.
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