Cable Shoulder Press vs Dumbbell Behind Neck Press

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Cable Shoulder Press and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press are close in use — 248 vs 179 sessions logged. What separates them is Shoulder loading and form.

Compare the benefits of Cable Shoulder Press and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Cable Shoulder Press vs Dumbbell Behind Neck Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Behind Neck Press more often — 248 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Shoulder Press and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press 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 Dumbbell Behind Neck Press Differ

What differsCable Shoulder PressDumbbell Behind Neck Press
Equipmenta machinea dumbbell
Difficulty5 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users179 sessions248 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Cable Shoulder Press or Dumbbell Behind Neck Press fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Cable Shoulder Press

Cable Shoulder Press demo video

Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. Push your arms up with both hands.
  2. Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
  3. then slowly lower them to shoulder height.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Cable Shoulder Press?Exercise Guide

How to Do Dumbbell Behind Neck Press

Dumbbell Behind Neck Press demo video

Dumbbell Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Lift the dumbbell above your head.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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 Dumbbell Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Behind Neck Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Behind Neck Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Shoulder Press or Dumbbell Behind Neck Press?

Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Cable Shoulder Press and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press need?

Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine, and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press needs a dumbbell.

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