TETSUArcher Push Up vs Smith Incline Bench Press
The Archer Push Up and the Smith Incline Bench Press both train the pectorals as their primary muscle. The Archer Push Up is bodyweight-only while the Smith Incline Bench Press uses a smith machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Archer Push Up | Smith Incline Bench Press | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | pectorals | pectorals |
| Body part | chest | chest |
| Supporting muscles | triceps, shoulders and core | shoulders and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight | smith machine |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 6 |
How each one starts
Archer Push Up — first steps
- Start in a push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Extend one arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground.
Smith Incline Bench Press — first steps
- Adjust the bench to a 30-45 degree incline.
- Sit on the bench with your back flat against the pad and feet firmly on the ground.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Archer Push Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Smith Incline Bench Press fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the pectorals adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Archer Push Up better than the Smith Incline Bench Press?
Neither is universally better — both train the pectorals as the primary mover. The Archer Push Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Smith Incline Bench Press fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Archer Push Up and the Smith Incline Bench Press in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the pectorals. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Archer Push Up and the Smith Incline Bench Press work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the pectorals. Supporting muscles differ slightly — triceps, shoulders and core for the Archer Push Up versus shoulders and triceps for the Smith Incline Bench Press.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.