Barbell Upright Row vs Pike Push Up
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,260 sessions vs 231. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Upright Row vs Pike Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,260 sessions compared to 231 for Pike Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up Differ
| What differs | Barbell Upright Row | Pike Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts and traps | front delts, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,260 sessions | 231 sessions |
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.
How to Do Pike Push Up
Pike Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
- 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.
For a full Pike Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pike Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Upright Row or Pike Push Up?
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,260 sessions against 231 for Pike Push Up. 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 Pike Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps, and Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up need?
Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell, and Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pike Push Up once your form holds up.
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