30 Seconds Summary
Best Alternatives to the Barbell Bench Press

  • The barbell bench press is a staple exercise but can be substituted with alternatives to prevent monotony and address different fitness goals or physical limitations.
  • Alternatives such as the Dumbbell Bench Press, Floor Press, Alternating DB Press, DB Bench Press with Glute Bridge, Hammer Strength Chest Press, Dips, and Pushups can be effective for varying training intensity and muscle stimulation.
  • These alternative exercises cater to various experience levels and aim to enhance muscle strength, address weak points, or target muscle groups more specifically.
  • Including exercises like these can benefit training by ensuring progress and helping to achieve new personal records, particularly when the traditional bench press feels stagnant or physically limiting.
  • Alternatives are especially beneficial for those with specific injuries, beginners needing simpler movements, or advanced lifters seeking to refine muscle definition and address imbalances.

Track & Plan Workouts
with Ease

  • Unlimited workout logs
  • Automatic volume tracking
  • Personalized programs
  • RPE support, rest timer, and more!
WorkoutWise Screenshot

Read Next

There’s Finally Research on Safety Bar Squats

A lot of people have asked me to review the research on safety bar squats. There was just one problem: there wasn’t any. That’s changed recently.

Stronger By Science

Greg Nuckols

Best Alternatives to the Back Squat

More back squats don’t always equal better back squats. Learn to use alternative squat exercises in your training program to optimize major lifts.

Biolayne

Andres Vargas

No Squat, Bench and Dead? No Problem...

Powerlifting isn’t really your thing but still want gains? Read about the alternatives that can help you reap just as much benefit as the big three.

Biolayne

Mike Samuels

Resistance Bands for Physique Athletes

Schedule conflicts or injuries keeping you away from the weights? Resistance bands are great alternatives to help you stay on track with your goals.

Biolayne

Andrew Pardue

Muscle for life – Menno Henselmans on Reasons to Stop Taking Diet Breaks

A brief summary of the existing studies on diet breaks. Interviewed by Mike Matthews from Muscle for Life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR_Doo_0jHE Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 15:01 - Is it okay to cut for 8 mont…

MennoHenselmans.com

Ivan