Exercise Comparison
Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip vs Incline Push-Up Medium
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Incline Push-Up Medium
Instructions
Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip
Lie back on a flat bench. Using a medium width grip (a grip that creates a 90-degree angle in the middle of the movement between the forearms and the upper arms), lift the bar from the rack and hold it straight over you with your arms locked. This will be your starting position.
From the starting position, breathe in and begin coming down slowly until the bar touches your middle chest.
After a brief pause, push the bar back to the starting position as you breathe out. Focus on pushing the bar using your chest muscles. Lock your arms and squeeze your chest in the contracted position at the top of the motion, hold for a second and then start coming down slowly again. Tip: Ideally, lowering the weight should take about twice as long as raising it.
Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
When you are done, place the bar back in the rack.
Incline Push-Up Medium
Stand facing a Smith machine bar or sturdy elevated platform at an appropriate height.
Place your hands on the bar, with your hands about shoulder width apart.
Position your feet back from the bar with arms and body straight. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your body straight, lower your chest to the bar by bending the arms.
Return to the starting position by extending the elbows, pressing yourself back up.
Verdict
Both exercises target the chest. Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Incline Push-Up Medium is beginner and uses bodyweight. Choose Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip if you have access to barbell, or Incline Push-Up Medium if you prefer bodyweight.