Band Lateral Raise vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions vs 914. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Band Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Band Lateral Raise vs Barbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions compared to 914 for Band Lateral Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Band Lateral Raise and Barbell 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 Band Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Band Lateral Raise | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a resistance band | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 914 sessions | 4,261 sessions |
How to Do Band Lateral Raise
Band Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing the floor or towards the front of your body.
- 3. Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to raise your hands higher than shoulder height.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Band Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Lateral Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Band Lateral Raise or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions against 914 for Band Lateral Raise. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Band Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Band Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Band Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row need?
Band Lateral Raise needs a resistance band, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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