Behind Neck Press vs Overhead Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 466. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Behind Neck Press and Overhead Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Behind Neck Press 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 466 for Behind Neck Press.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Behind Neck Press 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 Behind Neck Press and Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Behind Neck Press | Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 466 sessions | 17,150 sessions |
How to Behind Neck Press
Behind Neck Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Behind Neck Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Behind Neck Press 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, Behind Neck Press or Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 466 for Behind Neck Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Behind Neck Press and Overhead Press need?
Behind Neck Press 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 Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

