Arnold Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press

Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan

Contents

Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Arnold Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.

Popularity is not the whole answer. Arnold Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

Not sure whether Arnold Press or Smith Machine Overhead Press fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Arnold Press

Arnold Press gif

Arnold Press muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
  2. 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
  3. 3. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
  2. 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!

Do you want to know more about Arnold Press methods?

How to Smith Machine Overhead Press

Smith Machine Overhead Press gif

Smith Machine Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
  2. 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
  2. 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
  3. 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Smith Machine Overhead Press methods?

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