Arnold Press vs Overhead Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 2,745. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Arnold Press and Overhead Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Arnold Press vs Overhead Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Arnold Press and Overhead Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Arnold Press and Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 17,150 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Arnold Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Arnold Press Guide page of our blog!
How to Overhead Press
Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your hips and core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can put strain on your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your hips and core lose tension, it can put strain on your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 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.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Overhead Press need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Overhead Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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