Cable Lateral Raise vs Dumbbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,440 sessions vs 663. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Cable Lateral Raise vs Dumbbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,440 sessions compared to 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Lateral Raise and Dumbbell 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 Cable Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Cable Lateral Raise | Dumbbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,440 sessions | 663 sessions |
How to Do Cable Lateral Raise
Cable 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 level.
- 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 Cable Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Lateral Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Upright Row
Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain the shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Lateral Raise or Dumbbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,440 sessions against 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Cable Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Cable Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row need?
Cable Lateral Raise needs a machine, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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