Band Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Band Lateral Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Band Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Band Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Behind Neck Press more often — 1,214 sessions compared to 914 for Band Lateral Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Band Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Band Lateral Raise | Smith Machine Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a resistance band | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 914 sessions | 1,214 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Band Lateral Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Band Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Band Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Band Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?
Band Lateral Raise needs a resistance band, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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