Barbell Upright Row vs Overhead Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 4,261. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Barbell Upright Row and Overhead Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Barbell Upright Row 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 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Barbell Upright Row 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 Barbell Upright Row and Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Barbell Upright Row | Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts and traps | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,261 sessions | 17,150 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Upright Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Upright Row 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, Barbell Upright Row or Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Upright Row and Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps, and Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Upright Row and Overhead Press need?
Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell, and Overhead Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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