Exercise Comparison
Bench Press - Powerlifting vs Chain Handle Extension
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bench Press - Powerlifting
Instructions
Bench Press - Powerlifting
Begin by lying on the bench, getting your head beyond the bar if possible. Tuck your feet underneath you and arch your back. Using the bar to help support your weight, lift your shoulder off the bench and retract them, squeezing the shoulder blades together. Use your feet to drive your traps into the bench. Maintain this tight body position throughout the movement.
However wide your grip, it should cover the ring on the bar. Pull the bar out of the rack without protracting your shoulders. Focus on squeezing the bar and trying to pull it apart.
Lower the bar to your lower chest or upper stomach. The bar, wrist, and elbow should stay in line at all times.
Pause when the barbell touches your torso, and then drive the bar up with as much force as possible. The elbows should be tucked in until lockout.
Chain Handle Extension
You will need two cable handle attachments and a flat bench, as well as chains, for this exercise. Clip the middle of the chains to the handles, and position yourself on the flat bench. Your elbows should be pointing straight up.
Begin by extending through the elbow, keeping your upper arm still, with your wrists pronated.
Pause at the lockout, and reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a intermediate exercise using barbell, while Chain Handle Extension is intermediate and uses other. Choose Bench Press - Powerlifting if you have access to barbell, or Chain Handle Extension if you prefer other. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Chain Handle Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.