Arnold Press vs Cable Shoulder Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions vs 179. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arnold Press and Cable Shoulder Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Arnold Press vs Cable Shoulder Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arnold Press and Cable Shoulder Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Arnold Press and Cable Shoulder Press Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Cable Shoulder Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 179 sessions |
How to Do Arnold Press
Arnold Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
- 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
- 2. For those with rotator cuff issues, I recommend the Arnold press over the standard shoulder press.
For a full Arnold Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arnold Press exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Cable Shoulder Press?
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions against 179 for Cable Shoulder Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Cable Shoulder Press need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Shoulder Press once your form holds up.
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