Close Grip Push-Ups vs Dumbbell Bench Press

Side-by-side comparison of Close Grip Push-Ups and Dumbbell Bench Press. See which exercise suits your training goals, equipment, and fitness level.

Attribute Close Grip Push-Ups Dumbbell Bench Press
Primary Muscle Triceps Chest
Secondary Muscles Shoulders, Chest Triceps, Shoulders
Equipment No equipment Dumbbells
MET Value 5 5
Calories (30 min, 70 kg) ≈ 175 cal ≈ 175 cal
Video Quality 4K 4K
Male & Female Yes Yes
Multiple Angles Yes Yes

When to choose Close Grip Push-Ups

Choose Close Grip Push-Ups when you have access to No equipment and want a structured exercise for Triceps. It also engages Shoulders, Chest, offering a more complete movement.

Full Close Grip Push-Ups guide →

When to choose Dumbbell Bench Press

Choose Dumbbell Bench Press when you have access to Dumbbells and want a structured exercise for Chest. It also engages Triceps, Shoulders, offering a more complete movement.

Full Dumbbell Bench Press guide →

The Verdict

Close Grip Push-Ups focuses on Triceps while Dumbbell Bench Press targets Chest. They differ in equipment: Close Grip Push-Ups uses no equipment, while Dumbbell Bench Press uses dumbbells. The best choice depends on your goals, equipment, and program. Many coaches include both for complete development..

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Close Grip Push-Ups better than Dumbbell Bench Press?

Neither is universally better. Close Grip Push-Ups (MET 5) and Dumbbell Bench Press (MET 5) serve different purposes. Close Grip Push-Ups uses no equipment and targets Triceps, while Dumbbell Bench Press uses dumbbells and targets Chest. Choose based on your goals and available equipment.

Can I replace Close Grip Push-Ups with Dumbbell Bench Press?

They target different primary muscles (Triceps vs Chest), so replacing one with the other may change your training stimulus. Consider the equipment requirements (No equipment vs Dumbbells).

Which burns more calories, Close Grip Push-Ups or Dumbbell Bench Press?

Both burn approximately 175 cal/30 min (based on a 70 kg person), as they share the same MET value of 5.

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