Exercise Comparison
Bench Press - Powerlifting vs Machine Triceps 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.
Machine Triceps Extension
Adjust the seat to the appropriate height and make your weight selection. Place your upper arms against the pads and grasp the handles. This will be your starting position.
Perform the movement by extending the elbow, pulling your lower arm away from your upper arm.
Pause at the completion of the movement, and then slowly return the weight to the starting position.
Avoid returning the weight all the way to the stops until the set is complete to keep tension on the muscles being worked.
Verdict
Both exercises target the triceps. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a intermediate exercise using barbell, while Machine Triceps Extension is beginner and uses machine. Choose Machine Triceps Extension if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Bench Press - Powerlifting for a greater challenge. Bench Press - Powerlifting is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Machine Triceps Extension isolates the target muscle for focused development.