Arnold Press vs Smith Machine Shrug
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions vs 228. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Arnold Press and Smith Machine Shrug for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Arnold Press vs Smith Machine Shrug : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions compared to 228 for Smith Machine Shrug.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Arnold Press and Smith Machine Shrug 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 Smith Machine Shrug Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Smith Machine Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 228 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 Smith Machine Shrug
Smith Machine Shrug muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please ensure that the neck does not extend excessively forward.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Shrug, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Shrug Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Smith Machine Shrug?
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions against 228 for Smith Machine Shrug. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arnold Press and Smith Machine Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Smith Machine Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Smith Machine Shrug need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Shrug needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Shrug once your form holds up.
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