TETSUCable Bench Press vs Single Arm Push-Up
The Cable Bench Press and the Single Arm Push-Up both train the pectorals as their primary muscle. The Cable Bench Press uses a cable while the Single Arm Push-Up is bodyweight-only. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Cable Bench Press | Single Arm Push-Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | pectorals | pectorals |
| Body part | chest | chest |
| Supporting muscles | triceps and shoulders | triceps, shoulders and core |
| Equipment | cable | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 8 | 5 |
How each one starts
Cable Bench Press — first steps
- Adjust the cable machine to chest height and attach the handles.
- Stand facing away from the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Single Arm Push-Up — first steps
- Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart and one hand placed slightly wider than the other.
- Engage your core and lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping your back straight.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Cable Bench Press keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. The Single Arm Push-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. 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 Cable Bench Press better than the Single Arm Push-Up?
Neither is universally better — both train the pectorals as the primary mover. The Cable Bench Press keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion, while the Single Arm Push-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Cable Bench Press and the Single Arm Push-Up 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 Cable Bench Press and the Single Arm Push-Up work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the pectorals. Supporting muscles differ slightly — triceps and shoulders for the Cable Bench Press versus triceps, shoulders and core for the Single Arm Push-Up.
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.