Cable Shoulder Press vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions vs 179. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Cable Shoulder Press vs Barbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Shoulder Press and Barbell 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 Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Cable Shoulder Press | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 179 sessions | 4,261 sessions |
How to Do Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Shoulder Press or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions against 179 for Cable Shoulder Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Cable Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Cable Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row need?
Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Shoulder Press once your form holds up.
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