Arnold Press vs Dumbbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions vs 663. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arnold Press and Dumbbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Arnold Press vs Dumbbell Upright Row: 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 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arnold Press and Dumbbell Upright Row 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 Dumbbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Dumbbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 663 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 Dumbbell Upright Row
Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain the shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Dumbbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions against 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arnold Press and Dumbbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Dumbbell Upright Row need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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