Weighted Push Up vs Push-up Plus
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Push-up Plus is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Weighted Push Up and Push-up Plus and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Weighted Push Up vs Push-up Plus: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Push-up Plus more often — 131 sessions compared to 79 for Weighted Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Weighted Push Up and Push-up Plus 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 Push-up Plus Differ
| What differs | Weighted Push Up | Push-up Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a standard setup | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 79 sessions | 131 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 Push-up Plus
Push-up Plus Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Take the push-up position.
- 2. Push your shoulders forward and lift your body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your upper body straight.
For a full Push-up Plus guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Push-up Plus exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Weighted Push Up or Push-up Plus?
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 Push-up Plus need?
Weighted Push Up needs a standard setup, and Push-up Plus needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Push-up Plus is the easier place to start. Move to Weighted Push Up once your form holds up.
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