Bench press
At least one paper behind this review states what this option was measured against. That is not a ranking, and this option carries no evidence profile of its own.
- horizontal pushStrength · 24 papers put it here
- vertical pushStrength · 1 paper put it here (inferred by the extraction, not stated in the paper)
Performed with the athlete in a supine position on a flat bench, using a straight free bar for resistance. Involves humeral adduction, elbow extension, and scapulothoracic abduction.
The Sticking Point in the Bench Press, the Squat, and the Deadlift: Similarities and Differences, and Their Significance for Research and PracticePerformed on Panatta Sport equipment, at 80% of 1RM, with a tempo of 2 seconds eccentric and 1 second concentric, at 40 bpm.
Oxygen Uptake and Heart Rate Kinetics after Different Types of Resistance ExercisePerformed with isometric and isotonic contractions, same loads as TRX exercises, tempo at 60 bpm (1:0:1:0).
Can different variations of suspension exercises provide adequate loads and muscle activations for upper body training?Participants lie on a bench with five contact points (nape, shoulder girdle, glutes, and feet) holding dumbbells with a pronated grip. They lift the dumbbells with shoulders abducted around 60 degrees until full elbow extension, aligning them with the shoulder and above the chest. The eccentric phase involves moving the dumbbells down in a divergent mode to chest level. Each repetition lasts approximately 4 seconds (1-2 seconds concentric, 2-3 seconds eccentric). Participants sit on an inclined bench (80 degrees) with back and glutes in contact, holding a pulley handle with a pronated grip and shoulders abducted around 60 degrees. They push the handle forward with forearms aligned with the cable until hands reach in front of the chest. The eccentric phase is controlled until handles reach chest level. Each repetition lasts approximately 4 seconds (1-2 seconds concentric, 2-3 seconds eccentric).
The Effects of Different Types of External Load Equipment on Muscle Activation Comparing Two Bench Press Exercises VariationsPerformed lying supine on a bench. The lifter lifts the barbell from the rack, lowers it to the chest, and returns it to the starting position. Grip width: no more than 81 cm between index fingers. Main muscles involved: pectoralis major, triceps brachii, and anterior deltoid muscles.
Narrative review of injuries in powerlifting with special reference to their association to the squat, bench press and deadliftHold the bar with a prone grip, lower it to the chest, and then push it back up to full elbow extension. Perform the eccentric phase in a controlled manner and the concentric phase as rapidly as possible.
A Comparison of Load-Velocity and Load-Power Relationships Between Well-Trained Young and Middle-Aged Males During Three Popular Resistance ExercisesPerformed according to IPF rules with a preferred grip width of approximately 150% of the bi-acromion distance. Participants were allowed to touch and press without a full stop, but no bounce was allowed.
Comparison of Kinematics and Muscle Activation between Push-up and Bench PressFollowed International Powerlifting Federation rules, except allowed to touch and press the bar to the chest without a full stop. Used preferred grip width, standardized and maintained throughout. Three repetitions per load. Rest intervals of three to five minutes.
Push-Ups are Able to Predict the Bench Press 1-RM and Constitute an Alternative for Measuring Maximum Upper Body Strength Based on Load-Velocity Relationships
Measured in sets × reps — derived from the review's own dose_and_time prose.
Started with 3 sets of 6 repetitions; progressed to 3 sets of 8 repetitions
Effect of Progressive Calisthenic Push-up Training on Muscle Strength and Thickness- Sets: 3 sets - Repetitions: 12 repetitions per set - Load: 60% 1RM - Rest between sets: 4 minutes - Sessions per week: Not mentioned - Total programme length: Not mentioned
Acute Metabolic Response, Neuromuscular Activity, and Mechanical Performance to Different Set
Equipment is a property of the movement and is authored, never derived from the evidence corpus (docs/research/round2/ROUND2_KNOWN_CORRECTIONS.md §1). This option is 2 catalogue exercises rather than one, and their equipment differs, so none of them speaks for it.
Requires a flat, horizontal bench; no specific strength or technical skill prerequisites mentioned.
The Sticking Point in the Bench Press, the Squat, and the Deadlift: Similarities and Differences, and Their Significance for Research and PracticeRequires optimal neuromuscular control and proper form. No specific strength prerequisite mentioned, but implies need for strength to handle bodyweight and potentially higher loads.
Narrative review of injuries in powerlifting with special reference to their association to the squat, bench press and deadliftResistance training experience; ability to perform bench press with proper technique; strength prerequisite of being able to lift at least 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM)
Acute Metabolic Response, Neuromuscular Activity, and Mechanical Performance to Different Set
Can be modified by changing the angle of the bench or using different types of resistance.
The Sticking Point in the Bench Press, the Squat, and the Deadlift: Similarities and Differences, and Their Significance for Research and PracticeWider grip widths can increase performance but also risk of injury, while narrower grips reduce risk but possibly decrease performance. Dumbbell chest presses can be easier due to lower loads compared to barbell bench presses.
The health and performance benefits of the squat, deadlift and bench pressThe progression or regression in this study is based on the frequency of intraset rest periods. The traditional set (TS) has no rest within the set, making it the most challenging. The cluster-6 (CS6) protocol introduces a 30-second rest after the sixth repetition, and the cluster-2 (CS2) protocol has 30-second rests every two repetitions, making it the easiest in terms of recovery opportunities.
Acute Metabolic Response, Neuromuscular Activity, and Mechanical Performance to Different Set
High risk for shoulder injuries due to high loads and improper grip width; pectoralis major ruptures are common.
Narrative review of injuries in powerlifting with special reference to their association to the squat, bench press and deadliftAny downward movement during the concentric phase is a failed attempt.
Factors Related to Average Concentric Velocity of Four Barbell Exercises at Various Loads- Safety measures: Participants were placed in a supine position with backs and feet supported, used a pronated grip, and performed a controlled eccentric phase to reduce strain. - Technique sensitivity: Participants were instructed to lift the bar as fast and hard as possible but not to throw it, indicating a focus on controlled movement. - Cautions: The paper does not explicitly mention contraindications, but individuals with certain health conditions or physical limitations should consult a professional before performing these exercises.
Acute Metabolic Response, Neuromuscular Activity, and Mechanical Performance to Different Set
Facility or specialist (bench, barbell)
The Sticking Point in the Bench Press, the Squat, and the Deadlift: Similarities and Differences, and Their Significance for Research and PracticeFacility or specialist (requires a bench and weights)
Bench Press and Push-up at Comparable Levels of Muscle Activity Results in Similar Strength GainsFacility or specialist (barbell and rack) Facility or specialist (barbell and rack)
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Differences in Mean Propulsive Velocity between Men and Women in Different Exercisesfacility or specialist (bench and barbell)
Can different variations of suspension exercises provide adequate loads and muscle activations for upper body training?
- Smith machine exercise — a paper measured this option against it“Smith machine (SMBP” · D. Farias, J. Willardson, G. Paz, E. Bezerra, H. Miranda (2017) · 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001651
- Triceps extension — a paper measured this option against it“followed by a triceps extension (TE) exercise” · D. Farias, J. Willardson, G. Paz, E. Bezerra, H. Miranda (2017) · 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001651
- Push-up — a paper measured this option against it
- Deadlift — a paper measured this option against it“Deadlifts require more upper limb and trunk muscle engagement” · Luke Del Vecchio (2018) · 10.15406/mojypt.2018.03.00042
- Leg press — a paper measured this option against it“leg press” · D. Blažek, P. Šťastný, A. Maszczyk, M. Krawczyk, Patryk Matykiewicz, M. Petr (2019) · 10.5114/biolsport.2019.88759
- Hip thrust — a paper measured this option against it“plus barbell hip thrust” · Witalo Kassiano, Gabriel Kunevaliki, Bruna Costa et al. (2024) · 10.47206/ijsc.v4i1.284
- Deadlift — a paper called these interchangeable
- Overhead press — a paper called these interchangeable“with the overhead press exhibiting the greatest ACV” · C. Fahs, Julia C. Blumkaitis, L. Rossow (2019) · 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003043
A paper measuring one option against another does not make the two interchangeable, and it does not say which to choose. These are listed as what the papers did, and nothing here proposes a substitution.