Arnold Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Arnold Press works multiple joints at once, Bent Over Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Arnold Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Arnold Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arnold Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Bent Over Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | rear delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 17,552 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise
Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Bent Over Lateral Raise?
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions against 2,745 for Arnold Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arnold Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Bent Over Lateral Raise once your form holds up.
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