alternative to bench press

squatsanddeadlift
squatsanddeadlift Posts: 117 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I am working out in a commercial gym. I don't really feel comfortable using the bench press. What alternative exercises could I do in replace of the bench press that will still build upper body strength?
Will also be deadlifting and squatting
Thanks

Replies

  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited July 2016
    push up, flat bench dumbbell press, flat bench barbell chest press, incline chest press, chest dips, standing cable press, resistant band press, close grip press, don't forget flies
  • Muscleflex79
    Muscleflex79 Posts: 1,917 Member
    why don't you feel comfortable using the bench press?
  • squatsanddeadlift
    squatsanddeadlift Posts: 117 Member
    Muscleflex79 wrote: »
    why don't you feel comfortable using the bench press?
    Shoddy equipment. I just don't feel comfortable. Trying to build up discipline of going to the gym in the morning 3x per week at a cheaper less intimidating gym before going to a free weight gym
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    squatsanddeadlift wrote: »
    Muscleflex79 wrote: »
    why don't you feel comfortable using the bench press?
    Shoddy equipment. I just don't feel comfortable. Trying to build up discipline of going to the gym in the morning 3x per week at a cheaper less intimidating gym before going to a free weight gym

    So you need a machine or bodyweight exercise? There's probably a chest press machine and then you could do pushups. I wouldn't ignore an overhead push either.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    squatsanddeadlift wrote: »
    What alternative exercises could I do in replace of the bench press that will still build upper body strength?

    If you mean mass, a chest press machine is similar or superior. For functional strength, try the standing single-arm cable chest press.
  • squatsanddeadlift
    squatsanddeadlift Posts: 117 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    squatsanddeadlift wrote: »
    Muscleflex79 wrote: »
    why don't you feel comfortable using the bench press?
    Shoddy equipment. I just don't feel comfortable. Trying to build up discipline of going to the gym in the morning 3x per week at a cheaper less intimidating gym before going to a free weight gym

    So you need a machine or bodyweight exercise? There's probably a chest press machine and then you could do pushups. I wouldn't ignore an overhead push either.

    Yes I do. Okay thank you. Should I slowly 'overload' so example 10 chestpresses at 10kg increase to 12.5kg etc
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    squatsanddeadlift wrote: »
    I am working out in a commercial gym. I don't really feel comfortable using the bench press. What alternative exercises could I do in replace of the bench press that will still build upper body strength?
    Will also be deadlifting and squatting
    Thanks

    for upper body strength, don't forget about all the other lifts like pullups, rows, OHP, triceps, etc.
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